University-industry linkage evolution: an empirical investigation of relational success factors

Abstract

<jats:p>University–industry linkages (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">UIL</jats:styled-content>s) offer an array of benefits for the parties involved and the economy at large; however, research provides limited theoretical development and practical advice on successfully managing <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">UIL</jats:styled-content>s from initial negotiations to project completion and beyond. This paper, thus, empirically investigates the impact of relational success factors (communication, trust, understanding, individuals) on <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">UIL</jats:styled-content> performance across three phases of evolution, accounting for the changing manifestations of these factors over time. Communication emerged as a consistent predictor of success, with positive interrelationships between individuals advancing all relational success factors across all phases. A positive effect of trust and understanding, however, only emerged for some relationship phases. Results provide managers with insight into forms relational drivers take throughout long‐lasting successful <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">UIL</jats:styled-content>s.</jats:p>