University-industry collaboration and enterprise total factor productivity

Chen, Chong; Zhang, Jiaying; Du, Anna Min; Li, Zhongyuan

Abstract

This study evaluates how university-industry collaboration (UIC) affects total factor productivity (TFP). Based on unbalanced panel data of Chinese listed manufacturing enterprise between 2002 and 2022, our analysis reveals that: (1) UIC significantly enhances TFP; (2) the impact pathways through which UIC affects TFP include human capital, R&D investment, and management efficiency; (3) the effect of UIC on TFP is heterogeneous across firms' innovation capabilities, ownership types, and regional location; (4) the effect of UIC on TFP exhibits regional spillover effects. These findings provide valuable insights into how to leverage UIC to drive enterprise innovation, transformation, and upgrading.

Citation

Chen, C., Zhang, J., Du, A. M., & Li, Z. (2025). University-industry collaboration and enterprise total factor productivity. International Review of Economics and Finance, 102, Article 104311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104311

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-09
• Deposit Date: Jul 2, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 2, 2025
• Journal: International Review of Economics & Finance
• Print ISSN: 1059-0560
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 102
• Article Number: 104311
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104311