Industry-academic collaboration in dairy functional foods and bioactives industry

Abstract

Introduction: Industry-academic collaboration is increasingly becoming an important driver of innovation in local and international environments. The dynamism of the functional food environment and the consumer orientated nature of this industry drive firms to seek knowledge and new capabilities from research providers which firms lack inhouse. Studies of industry-academic collaboration have focused more on features of these relationships than on how these relationships work. Moreover, not much is known about the non-patenting route which characterised the nature of this industry. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how industry can better engage with research institutions in the dairy functional food and bioactives industry. The study aims to determine the criteria for successful collaboration, feasible deal structures and suitable stages for business-academic collaboration in the dairy bioactives industry. Methodology: This research is carried out in the NZ dairy functional food and bioactives industry, with a focus on the business mechanisms of collaboration. The methodology is qualitative, using a multi-case and semi-structured interview design. The study draws on six dairy food and bioactive companies with previous or current alliances with various research institutions, focusing on the global nutritional food market, especially Asia. This work provides further exploration of key concepts and characteristics identified from case studies via nine semi-structured interviews with industry analysts and academic researchers. Data will be analysed with Nvivo 9 and key themes and behaviours coded. Findings: The main findings of this research suggest that contract research is the most commonly used form of collaboration between industry and public research institutions in this industry. Primary factors identified are ownership of IP, characteristics of firm, networks and relationships. The collaboration process is perceived to be non-linear; hence, collaboration could take place at any point across the innovation process depending on the needs of the company. Large multinationals tend to invest more in R&D compared to smaller companies. While large companies adopt a combination of ownership of intellectual property, licensing and contract research strategies, small companies tend to consider contract research or fee for service when engaging with research institutions. 'Bilingual' employees are deemed to play a crucial role in understanding the demands of the scientific research process and meeting industry needs. Basic principles for working with local research institutions apply also to overseas institutions, but it is important to take note of cultural sensitivity and existing networks when pursuing relationships with overseas institutions.