University-industry cooperation: a case study of student innovation projects in Latvia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the most common forms of university-industry cooperation in Latvia, as well as to evaluate the motivating, facilitating, and barrier-creating factors of such cooperation. A case study approach was used to conduct the research, analyzing three projects of the ERDF program “Innovation Grants for Students”, analyzing their documentation, and conducting interviews with the companies involved in the projects as well as project management representatives. The study showed that university-industry cooperation in Latvia is at a stage of development where it is essential to build mutual trust and communication between universities and business.