From Mode 1 to Mode 2: Can Universities Learn from Consultancies?

Abstract

This paper explores ways in which universities can learn from best practice in the commercial sector when seeking to commercialize their research. Arising from the asserted shift from Mode 1 to Mode 2 knowledge generation, consultancies are often seen as exemplars of Mode 2 knowledge-creating institutions. The authors consider consulting organizations as a model for university technology transfer processes. Using available metrics, some consultancies perform better than universities in terms of patenting and commercialization. This may be because consultancies are working in fields that are closer to market needs. However, the commercialization processes used in consultancies may be beneficially applied to a university context.