UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY ANTECEDENTS FOR INNOVATION ACTIVITIES: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ALUMNI ROLE

Abstract

The joint development of research and innovation projects between University-Industry, towards regional development, is a topic of broader debate. This investigation aims to propose a new discussion and research agenda, where the University Alumni are a critical role to sustain the relationship University-Companies in these projects. Using a qualitative approach, this study analyzed University Alumni who act as leaders in the productive sector, analyzing their perception, expectations and positioning dimensions towards the University-Industry relationship. As results, it was founded that the Alumni have the potential to act as an important relationship asset and link, due to his/her previous experiences in University, that help to build thrust between organizations. With this analysis, is proposed a theoretical model considering which attributes or antecedents this Alumni needs to maintain in order to sustain the relationships between University-Industry, leveraging research and innovation initiatives.