Examining the University-Industry Relationship in R&D Projects in Developing Countries: A Case Study from Chile

This study examines the factors influencing university–industry collaboration in developing countries, using Chile as a case study. Although communication and university brand image are often viewed as central relational elements, results show that their effects on collaboration success are mostly i...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Leiva, Ninoska, Caro González, Francisco Javier, Uribe, Rodrigo, Meruane, Viviana
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/182535
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/182535
https://doi.org/10.1177/09504222261417833
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:University-Industry collaboration
Research and Development (R&D) projects
Chilean R&D Dynamics
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
Communication
University Brand Image
Descripción
Sumario:This study examines the factors influencing university–industry collaboration in developing countries, using Chile as a case study. Although communication and university brand image are often viewed as central relational elements, results show that their effects on collaboration success are mostly indirect. Based on survey data from Chilean firms involved in R&D projects and analyzed through PLS-SEM, the findings identify satisfaction as the strongest driver of collaboration success, operating both directly and through its positive influence on trust and commitment. Satisfaction is shaped by two antecedents: it is directly affected by university brand image and indirectly by communication, whose influence is transmitted through its positive impact on functional conflict. While neither brand image nor communication directly increases collaboration success, both enhance relational quality by strengthening satisfaction and improving conflict management. The study offers insights for policymakers and universities in developing economies seeking to improve the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of R&D partnerships.