Understanding industries-universities collaboration tendency, a Swedish-Tunisian comparative study

In order to understand the industries-universities collaboration (IUC) tendency on technology development in developed and developing countries, we analyze the current state of affairs in Sweden and Tunisia. Empirical investigation from 45 companies in both countries was conducted to measure their propensity (actual) and predisposition (in the future) to collaborate with the universities. R&D managers first proposed a categorization of the IUC with regard to the technology development stages. Then, they explained to which extent their industries have been cooperating with the research centers at the universities and their intentions for future partnership. Results show that industries in Sweden are more involved in developing new processes; while Tunisian companies cooperate more with the universities to acquire new knowledge. Swedish companies tend to work on new technologies development as well. Conclusions on tendencies in both countries are drawn and recommendations for the universities are offered.