Experiences of Co-operation between the University and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises : Summary for Researchers

Abstract

For many SMEs, the threshold to engage in co-operation with a university is high. One of the factors that affect an SME’s growth and innovation capacity is the company’s ability to utilise external networks which provide the company with complementary skills and resources. LUT University has a lot of know-how which could be shared with SMEs, but nevertheless, SMEs seldom contact LUT. This summary compiles observations made in connection with the LUT buustia alueen pk-yrityksille project (“LUT boost for the region’s SMEs”). The project was funded by Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, and it was implemented by LUT University. The project’s objective was to make LUT’s expertise in the field of technology more easily available for the region’s SMEs. The project productised research-based services suitable for SMEs. The criteria for service selection were clarity and accessibility. In addition, the selected services had to be standardised to a certain degree. SMEs may consider a university a partner that is difficult to approach, and they may not recognise the benefits of co-operating with a university. The project endeavoured to increase the university’s approachability by means of communication and by producing service entities. In addition, it aimed at bringing visibility to the university as a reliable co-operation partner capable of producing services of consistent quality. This summary compiles the experiences gained during the project on SME co-operation. For universities, the significance of SME co-operation is becoming more and more emphasised. For example, the reformed Business Finland funding instruments place emphasis on the importance of business contacts. The purpose of this summary is to provide information about companies’ wishes, attitudes and thoughts about university co-operation to researchers who plan on engaging in business co-operation.