This chapter introduces a new taxonomy of 21 policy instruments to support knowledge transfer between science and industry, which can be classified into financial, regulatory or soft instruments, and characterised by their target, the channels they address and their supply- or demand-side orientation. The chapter also discusses the role of intermediary institutions in policy design, and then analyses differences in the policy mix across countries and examines interactions among policy instruments. It concludes by discussing key trends that characterise the recent evolution of knowledge transfer policies in OECD countries.

This chapter presents an overview of different types of policy instruments that can be implemented to support the creation of spin-offs, and reflects on their possible interactions. It then discusses how country conditions influence the policy mix for spin-off support. New policy approaches are explored, including placing greater emphasis on the quality rather than the quantity of spin-offs supported, as well as on spin-offs initiated by students and early career researchers. Dimensions that are critical for the success of such approaches and the role of research and technology organisations (RTOs) are also analysed. The evidence presented in this chapter is largely based on country policy case studies.

This chapter presents new evidence on governance of public research supporting knowledge transfer, based on a new survey conducted in 2017-18 for this project across 35 OECD countries. It first provides new evidence on the level of autonomy of universities and PRIs, which impacts their capacity to make decisions regarding support programmes for knowledge transfer. It then explores the importance of performance contracts and evaluation mechanisms that incentivise knowledge transfer. It also provides insights into the participation of civil society and industry on the governing boards of universities, PRIs and research councils.