• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.145-175
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• 2011

The purpose of this research investigates the determinant factors of the joint technology development project performance between SMEs and universities. Reviewing existing papers we could categorize independent variables into three groups of partner characteristics, process management variables and relationship characteristics between partners. Three measures of satisfaction with the cooperation result, the intention of continuing relationship and the utilization of developed technology and product were used as dependent variable considering that we studied the joint projects of SMEs' involvement, short period and small scale. The data was collected by questionnaire survey mailed to the 1082 SMEs and university professors which executed the joint projects sponsored by Small Business Administration in 2009. We received 200 responses from SMEs, and 305 cases from professors among which 55 responses of each partner were on the same project. We analyzed the data sets individually, data of SMEs and that of universities with multiple regression analysis technique and also analyzed the common responses of 55 projects. Analysis results of the data from SMEs indicated that partners' expertise, facilities and equipment, communications, strategic importance, and trust were significant variables for the project performance. Analysis results of the data from universities showed that previous links, definition of objectives, strategic importance, trust and commitment were significant variables. Analysis results of combined data of 55 projects from SMEs and universities indicated that facilities and equipment, project management proficiency and commitment were significant variables.