University impact?: Evidencing operations management knowledge transfer

Abstract

This paper assesses the value and impact of operations management knowledge transfer. It proposes an evidence-based framework to demonstrate the output and impact from industry partners that coexist within complex relationships. It also suggests a usefulness regard influencing public policy regard funding university-industry projects. This is examined through a multiple case study methodology, assessing a total of 26 years (13 projects, each of 2 years duration) of formally funded knowledge transfer projects. This research demonstrates that effective knowledge transfer from universities to enterprises is not only hypothetically feasible, but also realistically tangible and measureable. It explores the effectiveness and efficiency of UK Business and Management Schools in transferring knowledge and technology through external interventions and formal partnership schemes in two diverse sectors: manufacturing and healthcare. The paper examines the value and impact of these activities by developing an assessment framework and analyzing the perceived improvement. It concludes that the knowledge transfer impact from universities to businesses can be defined.