Leveraging Digital Platform-based Intermediation to Facilitate Knowledge and Technology Transfer Activities through University-Industry Collaboration: A Design Science Research Approach

Abstract

Universities play a crucial role in developing human capital for the knowledge-based economy (KBE) by fostering the creation, application, and spread of knowledge. Collaboration between universities and industry is paramount for deriving and enhancing innovation. Through such collaborative arrangements, referred to as University- Industry Collaboration (UIC), both universities and the industry access resources and transfer knowledge to each other. University technology transfer offices (UTTOs) and knowledge transfer offices (UKTOs) are examples of UIC facilitation mechanisms (intermediation). A comprehensive literature review highlights shortcomings in some geographical areas, including developing regions/countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which have received limited attention in UIC research. Notably, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on the socio-technical applications of UIC in the MENA region that has recently demonstrated economic strengthening and an emphasis on knowledge-based activities. A closer look at the literature reveals several research gaps, including how different types of intermediaries manage knowledge-based activities. This study aims to develop and validate a socio-technical facilitation mechanism, specifically a digital platform- based intermediary, to enhance knowledge and technology transfer (KT/TT) activities within the UIC setting. A comprehensive framework that integrates UIC mechanisms with concepts from Social Capital (SC) theory is applied from a socio-technical perspective. It employs the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to develop a platform-based intermediary. It is organised into five iterative phases, each aimed at progressively refining and validating the research outcomes, including problem identification, solution suggestions, development, evaluation, and conclusions based on reflection on the DSR process. Data collection includes primary and secondary methods. Secondary data comprises a comprehensive literature review and two targeted systematic reviews: one examining 60 journal articles on UIC in the MENA region and another focusing on theoretical and contextual insights from 23 studies on UIC. Primary data was collected in one of the leading countries in the MENA Region, Saudi Arabia, through 40 semi-structured expert interviews, additional iterative follow-up interviews, and a focus group for prototype feedback. A thematic analysis of the interview data is employed to discuss common themes and utilise SC theory to understand inter-organisational relationships and the role of embedded resources like trust and common understanding in facilitating UIC activities. This analysis helped identify key drivers and barriers to practical KT/TT-UIC activities, which informed developing a structured guidance model that defines essential design criteria for creating efficient intermediation tools, including design requirements, principles, and features. The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency and productivity of KT/TT activities within the UIC setting, thereby fostering innovation, industry advancement, and economic growth. By integrating social and technical aspects, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the phenomena, challenges, and potential solutions, offering valuable insights for stakeholders involved in UIC activities. The outcomes are also expected to benefit academics, industry professionals, and policymakers focused on enhancing UIC collaborations and could serve as a valuable reference for other regions facing similar challenges. In summary, this study contributes to the UIC literature by highlighting critical insights into drivers and barriers and demonstrating how digital intermediation mechanisms can help overcome existing barriers and improve collaborative inter-organisational relationships.