The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Mats Benner. Photo.

Mats Benner

Professor

Mats Benner. Photo.

Knowledge triangle configurations at three Swedish Universities

Author

  • Eugenia Perez Vico
  • Sylvia Schwaag-Serger
  • Emily Wise
  • Mats Benner

Summary, in English

The concept of a knowledge triangle, i.e., the principle of strengthening the linkages between research, education and innovation, has emerged as a result of policymakers' expectations that universities assume a broader societal responsibility. Yet, little is known about how these tasks and their interactions are orchestrated at universities. We explore concept of how the knowledge triangle is manifested in the organisation and strategy of three different Swedish universities, and how these manifestations are shaped by the policy landscape. The article highlights the fact that although the knowledge triangle remains a priority, explicit national policies are lacking, with the responsibility of integration falling upon universities themselves. We observe great diversity in how the principles of the knowledge triangle are orchestrated at the universities, e.g., through individuals' interpretations and attitudes, and through management strategies and incentive schemes. However, the three tasks have largely been handled separately, with weak coordination and generally limited ambition demonstrated by university management teams to forge new combinations of remits. At the individual and group levels, we observe weak task articulation, although some role models serve as inspiration. Tensions emerge as the responsibilities of operationalising the knowledge triangle falls on individuals who sometimes lack the appropriate mandate and resources. These findings raise questions for further research and implications for policy and university management.

Department/s

  • Department of Business Administration
  • Department of Economics

Publishing year

2017

Language

English

Pages

68-82

Publication/Series

Foresight and STI Governance

Volume

11

Issue

2

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

National Research University

Topic

  • Economics and Business

Keywords

  • Knowledge triangle
  • Research utilisation
  • Societal collaboration
  • Third mission
  • University management

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2312-9972