International scientist mobility and the locus of knowledge and technology transfer

International scientist mobility and the locus of knowledge and technology transfer: "Publication year: 2011
Source: Research Policy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 20 April 2011
Jakob, Edler , Heide, Fier , Christoph, Grimpe
Despite the growing interest of scholars and policymakers to better understand the determinants for researchers in public science to transfer knowledge and technology to firms, little is known how temporary international mobility of scientists affects both their propensity to engage in knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) as well as the locus of such transfer. Based on a sample of more than 950 German academics from science and engineering faculties, we investigate how the duration and the frequency of scientists’ visits at research institutions outside their home country affect KTT activities. We find that most mobile scientists engage in KTT to...
 Highlights: ► We show how international mobility of scientists affects knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) to firms. ► KTT activities to firms abroad complement, not substitute transfer to firms in the home country. ► Longer stays abroad increase transfer to firms abroad and at home. ► Frequent stays abroad increase transfer to firms at home. ► Based on our survey of 958 German scientists, we confirm that brain circulation needs to be supported."