Assessment of academic knowledge transfer practices in field of environment

Abstract

Background and Objective: Production of research knowledge and its transfer have been shown at increased level of researchers' interest. However, facts show fewer types of knowledge transfer practices adopted in the developing countries. Materials and Methods: For making empirical evidence available about knowledge transfer practices, this article makes assessment of the transfer practices of academic research of the PhD faculty members of universities offering degrees in field of Environment in Sindh Pakistan. The identified 28 practices of academic knowledge transfer have been grouped together based on their characteristics by making 7 clusters as, publications, networking, mobility of researchers, joint research, intellectual property and co-operations including spin-off companies and sharing of equipment. At the end, comparison between clusters of knowledge transfer practices is presented. Results: According to research findings, publications in terms of research papers in journal, networking and co-operations are found to be common practices of academic knowledge transfer. However, less number of academic knowledge has been transferred through other practices of knowledge transfer such as, Intellectual Property and joint research programs. Conclusion: This article contributes empirical results of academic knowledge transfer practices in universities in field of environment, with some particular policy implications such as, to enhance the production of professional publication, improvement of alumni organizations, industry people engagement in the academic events, enhancement of absorptive capacity of highly qualified graduates, structuring policies and infrastructure to support the commercialization of academic knowledge, favor of academic work in co-operation and development of mechanisms and infrastructure for development of university spin-offs and development of efficient TTOs.