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Seoul Journal of Economics
[ Article ]
Seoul Journal of Economics - Vol. 22, No. 4, pp.551-589
ISSN: 1225-0279 (Print)
Print publication date 30 Nov 2009
Received 27 Feb 2009 Revised 21 Oct 2009

University-Industry Linkages in Thailand: Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned for Other Developing Countries

Patarapong Intarakumnerd ; Daniel Schiller
Corresponding Author, Lecturer, College of Innovation, Thammasat University, Prachan Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, Tel: +66-2-6235055, Fax: 66-2- 6235059 prpu6@hotmail.com
Research Associate, Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography, Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, Tel: +49- 511-762-3534, Fax: +49-511-762-3051 schiller@wigeo.uni-hannover.de

JEL Classification: O32, O38

Abstract

Universities are a critical actor in innovation systems of both developed and developing countries. In the context of developing countries, universities can play an important role as an indigenous knowledge source. Fruitful university-industry linkages (UILs) help local firms to import, modify, and diffuse technology. At the same time, universities can improve their academic capabilities if they interact with the private sector. However, appropriate explanations of UILs in developing countries are still lacking. It is the aim of this paper to identify successes and failures of UILs in Thailand by combining data from company and university surveys. In general, UILs in Thailand are still weak. But determinants for successful projects have been identified which offer the potential to serve as guidelines to improve UILs in the future. The findings of the paper contribute to the debate on the extended role of universities in developing countries for technological change and economic development.

Keywords:

University-industry linkages, Technological change, Academic capabilities, Developing countries, Thailand

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