E-Thesis 171 views 91 downloads
The development of Knowledge Transfer and Technology Transfer with Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone / JAMES BOURNE
Swansea University Author: JAMES BOURNE
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.61750
Abstract
Wales has recently seen a concerted attempt by the Government, Academia, and Industry to transform into a knowledge-based economy through increased collaboration across these three sectors. Industry and Academia must share knowledge and technology to assist regional growth. Key to this change has be...
| Published: |
Swansea
2022
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Davies, Gareth H. ; Rees, Daniel J. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61750 |
| Abstract: |
Wales has recently seen a concerted attempt by the Government, Academia, and Industry to transform into a knowledge-based economy through increased collaboration across these three sectors. Industry and Academia must share knowledge and technology to assist regional growth. Key to this change has been the emergence of policy-led programmes like Enterprise Zones to catalyse regional growth by focusing support on a specified area. Such efforts to foster innovation in a region have been contested. Can Enterprise Zones benefit from university innovation in Wales? The Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone is a unique illustration of how Enterprise Zones foster regional progress. This study used a qualitative, Action Research approach to map the South West Wales Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone's context. This involved identifying key issues that impact Knowledge and Technology Transfer in the region to identify barriers and possibilities. A careful evaluation of the literature and policy contexts revealed initial focus areas of interest to test throughout the investigation. Interviews were conducted in Academia, Industry, and Government to understand people's experiences and identify enablers and barriers to knowledge and technology transfer. The research findings give examples of regional knowledge and technology initiatives and suggested areas for improvement that might help South West Wales and the Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone promote these activities in the future. This analysis finds that stronger collaboration between Academia and projects like the Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone would boost South West Wales' knowledge and technology transfer potential. The Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone gives a chance to foster Industry, Academic, and Government collaborations. This would minimise the 'University Structure' barrier by allowing Academic stakeholders to work with Industry in a neutral setting. This thesis helps Academics and practitioners understand and create innovation in post-industrial regions. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Knowledge Transfer, Technology Transfer, Innovation, Regional Innovation System |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |