Introduction Introduction to the special section: Heterogeneity and university–industry relations

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the interface between researchers’ motivations and interaction channels concerning university–industry cooperation. For this purpose, we conducted a case study in a medium-sized higher education institution in Portugal. Interviews with university management and documentary analysis served for data-collection. We found that the traditional service and bi-directional channels play an important role in interaction with industry. Use of these channels depends on researchers’ motivations and disciplinary affiliation. Moreover, we make an argument for the relevance of intermediators in the interaction. Several implications are presented.