scholarly journals Public research and the quality of inventions: the role and impact of entrepreneurial universities and regional network embeddedness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Graf ◽  
Matthias Menter
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Public Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Universities ◽  
Network Embeddedness ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Type Of Institution ◽  
Public Sector Entrepreneurship

AbstractThe positive effect of public research on industrial innovations is beyond controversy: public research institutions produce knowledge that is subsequently transferred into product and process innovations by private businesses. Besides this rather passive role in commercializing inventions, public research institutions may also proactively exploit new knowledge through public sector entrepreneurship activities. Especially entrepreneurial universities are perceived as a conduit of knowledge spillovers; they serve as central actors of innovation networks and stimulate network activities. Whereas the linkages between network embeddedness and innovation activities have been largely explored, the determinants of patent quality in terms of radicalness, originality, and generality remain rather unclear. Considering Germany’s diverse public research infrastructure (universities, polytechnics, and non-university research institutes), our findings reveal that the type of institution and the corresponding scientific orientation (basic vs applied research) matter for the quality of inventions. The centrality of respective institutions within innovation networks reinforces the radicalness of inventions. However, we do not find support for the general assumption that an entrepreneurial orientation of public sector entities augments the quality of inventions. We conclude the paper with policy recommendations and with future avenues of research.Plain English Summary This study explores the relation between network embeddedness, scientific orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and the quality of inventions of public research. Our results imply that a basic research focus induces inventions that are more radical, and a more central network position reinforces the production of more radical, original, and general patents. In contrast, an entrepreneurial orientation does not seem to stimulate a higher quality of inventions. Our results give impetus to nuanced public sector entrepreneurship policies that take the type of institution and the optimal level of regional embeddedness into account. A sole focus on the entrepreneurial transformation of public research institutes may not be sufficient to leverage the full potential of knowledge created therein. Instead, more support and guidance for creating links with other network entities is needed along with incentives to commercialize new knowledge.

Defining public-sector entrepreneurship

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shepherd Dhliwayo
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Value ◽  
The Public ◽  
Conceptual Definition ◽  
Commercial Market ◽  
Public Sector Entrepreneurship

Public-sector entrepreneurship (PSE) is a relatively new area of enquiry. Though it is now universally agreed that the public sector can be entrepreneurial just like its private sector counterpart, it is not clear what makes up the PSE construct. The study proposes three dimensions of what makes up PSE. The three are, economic facilitation and regulation, the civil–political service agent and commercial market participation. The dimensions are based on the different roles the state plays in trying to optimally provide public value to its citizens. This study offers a conceptual definition that could more broadly represent PSE. As with any new concept, this conceptual framework still has to be tested for efficacy and be validated through future research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document