Production and transfer of academic knowledge: Policy targets and implications for the health industry

Technology transfer between academia and industry has national and regional economic implications. Policies to encourage the process are now seen as critical, not only by the producers of knowledge (universities) and the consumers of this knowledge (firms), but by government because the market for knowledge is imperfect. Knowledge transfer is especially visible and important in the health industry. This paper discusses policies to promote knowledge transfer between academia and firms, and also considers appropriate government roles. We note that new measures may alter academic goals and priorities, thereby creating unintended consequences that will be harmful to other academic and social goals. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.