How long-term university-industry collaboration shapes the academic productivity of research groups

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of long-term university-industry collaboration on academic research productivity. Empirical studies show mixed evidence regarding how collaboration with industry affects scientific productivity, and there is a lack of understanding of the long-term effects of collaboration. This paper addresses this shortcoming using a unique longitudinal and comprehensive dataset of university-industry collaboration in Brazil. The results show that research groups that collaborate over the long-term with industry have better scientific performance, revealing that long-term collaborations between university and firms have a positive effect on academic productivity.