Fostering university-industry interactions under a triple helix model: the case of Nuevo Leon, Mexico

This paper presents an empirical investigation into how academic researchers develop interactions with industry. Interviews with researchers in biotechnology in the two largest private and public universities in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, were analyzed by applying a grounded theory approach. Findings show that researchers at both universities are motivated by the social impact that their research may have. However, biotech researchers at the public university appear to be more economically driven. In both cases, the participation of the technology transfer office is perceived to be weak. An implication for technology policy is that academic researchers' motivational patterns are important for the better design of policies seeking to promote university industry interactions at a regional level.