ABSTRACT
Successful collaborative research and development (R&D) output is a function of how partnerships are initiated, so it is particularly important that we examine the nature of the relationships between government research institutes (GRIs), universities and firms. Specifically, it is considered here whether researchers tend to partner repeatedly with cross-sector research entities. Cross-sector or public–private R&D collaboration is increasingly applied and necessary in Korea and Taiwan, given the complexity of new technologies. Such advancements typically require interdisciplinary skills, large financial investments, testing and experimental and production facilities (Yusuf 2003), which is reflected in these two countries’ policies related to R&D and science and technology (S&T). In this way, this chapter (as well as Chapter 4) is essentially a response to a triple helix–based claim which strongly emphasizes the benefits of relations between private research entities, universities and GRIs. For Korea and Taiwan, this presents a unique opportunity to determine whether traditional methods of networking dominate, or whether R&D trumps culture.
