University-industry knowledge interaction: case studies from Finland and China

The paper examines the roles of formal governance and informal social networking in University-Industry (U-I) knowledge interaction in the context of high-tech Multinational Corporations (MNCs). The issue is approached by conducting a critical literature review with empirical cases from Finland and China. Previous studies on U-I collaboration focus primarily on one-way technology and knowledge transfer. This study argues that especially in the cross-cultural context of high-tech MNCs, more interactive types of knowledge interaction should be of key concern where there are various challenges of informal governance that include, for example, interpersonal trust, mutual commitment, frequency of communication and interaction, and awareness of cultural and knowledge-related gaps between collaboration partners.