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Abstract

In university-industry relationships, ‘translators’ facilitate communication among individuals, institutions, business organizations and groups. However, systematic study of the functions and characteristics of these translators has been scant. Drawing on interviews with participants in knowledge networks, this paper argues that ‘translation’ contributes to the integration of academic knowledge with economic development by reconciling different cognitive orientations, cultures, disciplines, codes and interests. The paper also identifies the personal and professional characteristics that enable some individuals to act as ‘bridges’ between academia and industry. Finally, the authors analyse the relationship between trust and translation, and discuss the pros and cons of creating a position explicitly devoted to performing translation functions.

Keywords

university–industry relations knowledge networks boundary personnel ‘translators’

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Bridging the Gap between Firms and Academic Institutions

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