Intersectoral mobility of researchers and the extent and nature of proximity

Millard, DM

Abstract

Mobility of researchers across disciplines, sectors and borders represents an important way of transferring knowledge that is dispersed between different actors, including different sectors and organisations in different countries. It is argued that links between academia and other sectors are increasing. However, interaction between sectors is subject to barriers of orientation, where the aims in producing knowledge are different to each other (Bruneel et al 2010). It is widely argued that innovation requires some level of ‘proximity’. Several conceptualisations of proximity have been identified. Boschma (2005) talks of geographical, organisational, cognitive, institutional and social proximity. Absorptive capacity may also be needed to overcome barriers of understanding, culture or orientation that enable researchers to utilise their skills outside academia. Based on a European project that involved a survey and interviews with PhD graduates in the social sciences and humanities in 13 countries, this paper considers the extent and nature of similarity or proximity between sectors that facilitates intersectoral mobility.

Citation

Millard, D. (2014, August). Intersectoral mobility of researchers and the extent and nature of proximity. Presented at RGS-IBG Annual International Conference: Geographies of co-production, Imperial College, London

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference: Geographies of co-production
• Conference Location: Imperial College, London
• Start Date: Aug 26, 2014
• End Date: Aug 29, 2014
• Deposit Date: May 21, 2015
• Keywords: science careers; research careers; academic careers; Europe; ERA; mobility; sectoral mobility; knowledge transfer
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference; Funders : European Commission; Projects : Mapping the Population, Careers, Mobilities and Impacts of Advanced Research Degree Graduates in the Social Sciences and Humanities (POCARIM)