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University–industry R&D linkage metrics: validity and applicability in world university rankings

Author

Listed:
  • Robert J. W. Tijssen

    (Leiden University
    Stellenbosch University)

  • Alfredo Yegros-Yegros

    (Leiden University)

  • Jos J. Winnink

    (Leiden University
    NL Patent Office)

Abstract

In September 2015 Thomson Reuters published its Ranking of Innovative Universities (RIU). Covering 100 large research-intensive universities worldwide, Stanford University came in first, MIT was second and Harvard in third position. But how meaningful is this outcome? In this paper we will take a critical view from a methodological perspective. We focus our attention on the various types of metrics available, whether or not data redundancies are addressed, and if metrics should be assembled into a single composite overall score or not. We address these issues in some detail by emphasizing one metric in particular: university–industry co-authored publications (UICs). We compare the RIU with three variants of our own University–Industry R&D Linkage Index, which we derived from the bibliometric analysis of 750 research universities worldwide. Our findings highlight conceptual and methodological problems with UIC-based data, as well as computational weaknesses such university ranking systems. Avoiding choices between size-dependent or independent metrics, and between single-metrics and multi-metrics systems, we recommend an alternative ‘scoreboard’ approach: (1) without weighing systems of metrics and composite scores; (2) computational procedures and information sources are made more transparent; (3) size-dependent metrics are kept separate from size-independent metrics; (4) UIC metrics are selected according to the type of proximity relationship between universities and industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. W. Tijssen & Alfredo Yegros-Yegros & Jos J. Winnink, 2016. "University–industry R&D linkage metrics: validity and applicability in world university rankings," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 109(2), pages 677-696, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:109:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-016-2098-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-016-2098-8
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    1. Perkmann, Markus & Salandra, Rossella & Tartari, Valentina & McKelvey, Maureen & Hughes, Alan, 2021. "Academic engagement: A review of the literature 2011-2019," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(1).
    2. Joaquín M. Azagra-Caro & Laura González-Salmerón & Pedro Marques, 2021. "Fiction lagging behind or non-fiction defending the indefensible? University–industry (et al.) interaction in science fiction," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(6), pages 1889-1916, December.
    3. Bertoletti, Alice & Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina & Agasisti, Tommaso, 2022. "Higher education systems and regional economic development in Europe: A combined approach using econometric and machine learning methods," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 82(PA).
    4. Johannes van der Pol & Jean-Paul Rameshkoumar, 2021. "A method to reduce false positives in a patent query," Bordeaux Economics Working Papers 2021-05, Bordeaux School of Economics (BSE).
    5. McAleer, M.J. & Nakamura, T. & Watkins, C., 2018. "Size, Internationalization and University Rankings: Evaluating Times Higher Education (THE) Data for Japan," Econometric Institute Research Papers EI2018-43, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), Econometric Institute.
    6. Michael McAleer & Tamotsu Nakamura & Clinton Watkins, 2019. "Size, Internationalization, and University Rankings: Evaluating and Predicting Times Higher Education (THE) Data for Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-12, March.
    7. Santini, Mateus Augusto Fassina & Faccin, Kadígia & Balestrin, Alsones & Volkmer Martins, Bibiana, 2021. "How the relational structure of universities influences research and development results," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 155-163.
    8. João Lopes & João Lussuamo, 2021. "Barriers to University-Industry Cooperation in a Developing Region," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 12(3), pages 1019-1035, September.

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