Centre for Technology Management

Stimulating Intellectual Capital: Industry/Academic Experience of Technology Management Networking

D R Probert and A D Venus

Centre for Technology Management, Manufacturing and Management Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK

Abstract

Network exchange between academic and commercial organisations is of increasing interest to technology managers. Leading companies explore the world for the diverse sources of technology and good practice, while researchers are concerned to keep abreast of the latest thinking and practice wherever it arises. Intellectual capital has to be both exchanged and protected if the activities of the network are to endure.

This paper considers the increasing importance of networking and discusses the operation of a network consisting of many universities and industries with the common aim of exploring areas of interest in technology management. The paper includes a review of the literature in networking practice, and captures our recent experience of taking part in, and organising, network exchange activities. It reviews the motivation of, and benefits for, all parties involved, in the context of both competitive and collaborative relationships. In particular it draws on the lessons learned during the recent establishment of the technology management network, and the operation of local networks of high technology companies in the Cambridge area.