ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to investigate which channels of knowledge relate Aalborg University (AAU) to regional enterprises and what characterizes the learning and innovation modes that these knowledge relations utilize. The empirical research literature on the two innovation modes and their effects shows that in the Danish case, both the cluster of enterprises using the Science and Technology Innovation (STI) innovation mode and the cluster using the Doing, Using and Interacting Innovation mode increase chances of product or process innovation. Within the STI relationship the strengths materialize as a higher proportion of research cooperation contracts with enterprises, relative to the research budget, compared to all other Danish universities taken together. A survey among firms in the manufacturing industry collaborating with Danish universities shows highest satisfaction among the firms working together with AAU. AAU has developed a network of internal and external matchmakers in order to facilitate actor-based contacts between university and enterprises, which can be maintained and developed over time.
