University and industry collaboration in Japan and Thailand: influence of university type

This paper aims at investigating influence of university types on both modes and size of collaborating firm. The remarkable findings could be concluded as follows: (1) University types relate to modes in a certain degree. National universities tend to have R&D collaboration with firms, while other types of university do not predominantly rely on any specific mode. Not only government policy, historical background does matter as well. (2) Instead of university type, types of modes are likely to relate to the size of collaborating firm. Large firms tend to be potential R&D partners, whereas small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are focused partners for consulation. (3) Socio-economic characteristics of the location where universities are located affect roles of universities in supporting industry. National universities in local area often work with both large firms and SMEs in order to respond to local demands. In addition, universities' specialisations perhaps influence university and industry collaboration. Different types of universities having relatively high specialisation in engineering courses have similar roles in supporting industry and (4) country contexts influence roles of universities due to different policy focuses, and different levels of universities and firms' technological capabilities. Japanese university-industry collaboration seem to focus more on R&D acitivities, comparing to Thai universities.