University-Industry Partnerships for innovation: Sri Lankan Experiences

Abstract

The University sector in the national innovation system (NIS) is considered as one of the key players which links new knowledge with the industry for the purpose of diffusing new knowledge for economic and social benefits through commercialization of products, services, processes and other artifacts. This paper inquires the role of Sri Lankan universities in the innovation process by paying -special attention on the strength of university-industry linkages. Responses from the industrial sector obtained through a survey and interviews with university Vice-Chancellors were used to identify the strength of relationships between the two sectors. It was evident that these relationships are very weak and industrial sector is still inward oriented with little intention to innovation while universities still prioritize their traditional teaching role in higher education.