A qualitative study into the innovation and technology transfer experience of a micro-manufacturer within a University-Industry collaboration context in regional Australia

Abstract

Small-Medium-Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical part and are an important contribution to the economy in Australia. This research explored a number of questions surrounding SMEs, their innovation practices and the policy that influence them. This research reviewed and identified, through a case study approach with a series of indepth qualitative data collection, analyses and discussions, barriers to innovation in micro-regional SME in Australia, and outlines recommendations for how these can be overcome. In essence, the research aims to provides a deeper insight into what actually happens and why it happens; factors affecting innovation and technology transfer (I&TT) in regional micro-manufacturers, and describes an intervening investigation into the I&TT process in the SME sector within a University-Industry collaboration context. The research initially focused on the manufacturing factors such as increasing productivity through work study and work-flow analysis, and introducing semiautomation and flexible manufacturing methodology. As the project progressed, however, several non-manufacturing factors were identified as major influences in the I&TT process within the targeted micro-manufacturer. The ability for firms to progress in improving the manufacturing factors is often dependent on these factors, which are categorized as very personal and business related (rather than technical related). Regional Knowledge Diffusion (RKD) model was developed as a conceptual framework for developing future policies for encouraging innovation and technology transfer within a university-industry context within the regional Small-Medium-Enterprise sector. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.