Title: Transferring knowledge: PhD holders employed in Spanish technology centres

Authors: Susana Pablo-Hernando

Addresses: Sorbonne Business School, France

Abstract: This paper analyses the knowledge transfer process in technology centres (TCs) through the employment of PhD holders. In particular, a study of nine TCs located in four Spanish regions was essential to conclude that PhDs are not only involved in the acquisition of scientific knowledge but also in other stages of knowledge transfer (communication, application, acceptance or assimilation), as well as in business and commercial activities that require continuous exchanges with clients. Moreover, the introduction of academic culture into the organisation (a process known as 'collegialisation') and the promotion of a dual socialisation of PhDs in both the academic and industrial contexts constitute two enabling conditions that improve the quality of knowledge diffusion across organisations. As a result of these patterns, TCs are redefining their mission in regional innovation systems to adopt a more proactive position. Thus, they can anticipate the future demands of their potential clients.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; regional innovation systems; technology centres; intermediate organisations; PhDs; doctorates; hybrid scientists; labour market; mobility; university-industry links; collaborative research; university-industry collaboration; Spain; academic culture; collegialisation; dual socialisation; knowledge diffusion; organisational knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2015.069665

International Journal of Technology Management, 2015 Vol.68 No.3/4, pp.228 - 254

Received: 19 Jun 2013
Accepted: 03 Jul 2014
Published online: 29 May 2015 *

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