Analysis of the collaboration between Spanish biotechnological companies with R&D activities and the public R&D system

The development and improvement of cooperation between the industrial sector and the public R&D system can produce competitive advantages for the companies. The present work describes experiences and perceptions of Spanish biotechnology companies in their collaboration with the public R&D system. Results show that almost all the biotechnological companies with R&D activities (93.6%) have cooperated with the public R&D system. The main barriers found by the companies are the excess of bureaucracy and the slow response of public researchers. Results obtained also suggest the need to establish public policies and programmes to promote knowledge and technology transfer from public research centres to companies, with a special focus on encouraging researchers from the public R&D system and on improving how Technology Transfer Offices work.