Les engrenages de l’innovation. Partenariats industriels et concurrence dans la recherche publique

Abstract

This article focuses on the rise of university-industry research centers since the 2000s in France, in a context where national science policy has been increasingly driven by the belief that public research should support technological innovation. Drawing on a qualitative study of research practices and university-industry relations in the field of nanotechnology, it shows that the diffusion of this organizational form relies on two complementary mechanisms. By promoting long-term cooperation, it helps researchers to promote a scientific agenda in their industrial partnerships. But it is also a key asset in the competition with their peers, enhancing access to extra funding and symbolic status.

Keywords

• competition
• innovation
• university-industry research centers
• research policy
• science-industry relations
• scientific work