ABSTRACT
This chapter delves into knowledge extractivism from the peripheries to core countries. The experience of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) from Argentina in pharmaceutical innovation networks is used as an illustrative case study. The chapter combines quantitative and qualitative methodological instruments distinguishing between how the UBA’s research and development outcomes integrate innovation networks and the economic benefits associated with those outcomes. Traditionally used indicators measure university patenting, technology transfer agreements, and private funding sources. We complement them by assessing (1) blind knowledge transfer defined as UBA pharmacy papers cited in international patents not owned by the UBA, and (2) co-authorship of scientific publications with private firms. Our quantitative analysis is complemented with semi-structured in-depth interviews with UBA researchers. Interviewees were chosen from the list of corresponding authors of UBA papers subjected to blind knowledge transfer. We find evidence of knowledge extractivism from the UBA because knowledge results are extracted and assetisized by other (foreign) organizations. Overall results show that the UBA is a subordinate research-university, given that it contributes with its research to transnational innovation networks without profiting from resulting intellectual rents.
