In the process of Innovation, personal contact is a fundamental long-standing element of University-Business collaboration.

During the present study, we interviewed directors of business clusters, innovation agencies, Universities, technology transfer offices and institutes of knowledge transfer and they all agree on one essential point: the importance of direct personal contact. Our work confirms that it is crucial to maximise direct contact between people and there is unanimous agreement that successful University–Business relationships are heavily dependent on interpersonal contact.

Geographical proximity is another key aspect to successful collaboration. The lack of mobility of researchers makes it imperative for Companies which wish to establish a stable relationship with research organisations to set up nearby. This allows ease of contact and teamwork and gives very positive results. By establishing itself in a technology park or on a university campus a company is able to facilitate greater knowledge exchange and project coordination. It is also clear that physical proximity aids both formal and informal interpersonal relationships and meetings.