Social effects of joint R&D: the role of learning and accumulation of capacities
Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management
ISSN: 2053-4620
Article publication date: 19 October 2022
Issue publication date: 25 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Joint research is pointed out by the literature as a potentially virtuous cooperation scheme to generate learning in the public sphere and beneficial effects in society. The purpose of this study, based on the Argentine experience in the COVID-19 pandemic, is to analyze the network of capacities, relationships and effects generated, over time, by a series of projects financed by the State in 2010, to clarify the link between learning effects and social effects.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology focused on the multiple case study method was used. Each case covers joint R&D projects financed 10 years ago by the state that subsequently led to different solutions for COVID-19.
Findings
The work identifies a public learning process that integrates both industry’s contributions and the intellectual dimension of economic benefits and their translation into specific capabilities; conceptualizes the capacities accumulation process as a multiplier of social effects (direct and indirect) that emerge as knowledge is reused; identifies the articulation between different schemes as a condition for learning effects and social effects to manifest over time.
Originality/value
An aspect not studied in the literature is addressed, the relationship between the learning process induced by joint research, in terms of capabilities, and the social effects specifically generated over time. This is taking place in a context, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where calls from the scientific and academic community to promote science–industry cooperation are multiplying.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Vanesa Baldino (FONARSEC) for her support in accessing information about the projects and the researchers who agreed to participate in the interviews and answered their questions.
Citation
Verre, V., Milesi, D. and Petelski, N. (2024), "Social effects of joint R&D: the role of learning and accumulation of capacities", Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 311-330. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-01-2022-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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