University and industry collaboration in Japan and Thailand: influence of university type

This paper aims at investigating influence of university types on both modes and size ofcollaborating firm. The remarkable findings could be concluded as follows: (1) Universitytypes relate to modes in a certain degree. National universities tend to have R&Dcollaboration with firms, while other types of university do not predominantly rely on anyspecific mode. Not only government policy, historical background does matter as well. (2) Instead of university type, types of modes are likely to relate to the size of collaboratingfirm. Large firms tend to be potential R&D partners, whereas small and medium enterprises(SMEs) are focused partners for consulation. (3) Socio-economic characteristics of thelocation where universities are located affect roles of universities in supporting industry. National universities in local area often work with both large firms and SMEs in order torespond to local demands. In addition, universities’ specialisations perhaps influenceuniversity and industry collaboration. Different types of universities having relatively highspecialisation in engineering courses have similar roles in supporting industry and(4) country contexts influence roles of universities due to different policy focuses, anddifferent levels of universities and firms’ technological capabilities. Japanese university –industry collaboration seem to focus more on R&D acitivities, comparing to Thai universities.