How can Industry use the Innovation Potential of Universities and Research Institutes? Systematization, Evaluation, and New Development of Transfer Strategies Based on the Theory of Knowledge at the Interface between Companies and Science

A significant potential of information, knowledge, and experience is present at universities and research institutes. In view of growing competitive and innovation pressures, companies aim to increasingly use these resources. However, the transfer of knowledge between business and science is problematic. A multitude of research strands has recognized the tacit knowledge of research institutes as a decisive element that is crucial for the successful commercialization of research findings. In light of this context, various transfer strategies practiced by industry are systematized and evaluated based on the theory of knowledge. The rigorous reflection based on the theory of knowledge also opens the perspective on a new transfer strategy: the use of university spin-offs as knowledge transformers to exploit the tacit knowledge of parent institutes. Summaries for various transfer strategies are provided, and these strategies' effect on costs, flexibility, and access to the tacit realm of knowledge is shown.