The commercialization of academic knowledge is increasingly seen as a potential economic development model, particularly for improving the capabilities and economic performance of regions. This insightful volume investigates the emerging factors in knowledge commercialization from an international perspective and highlights research agendas and challenges to be met across academia, industry and government.

The expert contributors focus specifically on the new role of universities in regional economic development through knowledge commercialization, as well as university-industry interaction and the factors that influence knowledge and technology transfer. They explore knowledge commercialization in the US, ''knowledge valorization'' in Europe, and technology transfer dynamics in China. A forum for discussion of whether, why, and how commercialization and valorization of knowledge can lead to higher levels of innovation and economic development from an international perspective is also provided.

This thought-provoking book will prove a stimulating read for academics, students and researchers with an interest in regional economics, regional studies and knowledge management.

Contributors: J. Aberman, Z.J. Acs, T. Baycan, T. Buddingh , M. Fernández-Esquinas, E. Feser, H. Goldstein, V. Grinevich, M. Ljunggren, E. Masurel, X.-f. Meng, D.J. Miller, P. Nijkamp, G.H.F. Noltes, A. Piccaluga, H. Pinto, K. Rao, A. Rehbogen, R.R. Stough, M. van Geenhuizen, P. van Hemert, P. Vulto, H. Westlund