---
title: "Generating commercial ideas in Finnish universities. The role of interdisciplinarity and networking"
authors:
  - name: "Nikulainen, Tuomo"
date_published: "2013-05-03"
series: "ETLA Working Papers"
series_number: "9"
issn:
  - "2323-2439"
  - "2323-2420"
jel_codes:
  - "O30"
  - "O38"
  - "O33"
  - "O34"
language: "en"
publisher: "ETLA Economic Research"
pdf_url: "https://www.etla.fi/wp-content/uploads/ETLA-Working-Papers-9.pdf"
keywords:
  - "universities"
  - "research"
  - "idea generation"
  - "commercial ideas"
  - "interdisciplinarity"
  - "networks"
  - "networking"
identifier: "https://www.etla.fi/julkaisut/id/ETLA-Working-Papers-9"
---

# Generating commercial ideas in Finnish universities. The role of interdisciplinarity and networking

**Published:** 2013-05-03  
**Categories:** Publications, Working Papers  
**URL:** https://www.etla.fi/en/publications/generating-commercial-ideas-finnish-universities-role-interdisciplinarity-networking/

Existing research argues that the keys to generating industry-relevant knowledge are interdisciplinary and networked research. The aim of this paper is to address statistically whether interdisciplinary and networked research are related to a higher potential to generate ideas with significant commercial value. Using a unique survey of academics in Finland, we identify several factors that relate to idea generation. In different types of research networks, we find a positive connection to an interdisciplinary work environment and networking. We also identify significant differences among fields of research.

---

## Additional Information

**Kirjoittajat:** Nikulainen, Tuomo

**Kansikuva:** https://www.etla.fi/wp-content/uploads/no_009_kansi.jpg

**Lataa Pdf:** https://www.etla.fi/wp-content/uploads/ETLA-Working-Papers-9.pdf

**Key Words:** universities, research, idea generation, commercial ideas, interdisciplinarity, networks, networking

**Jel:** O30, O38, O33, O34

**Paivays:** 03.05.2013

**Sivuja:** 17

15

**Kieli:** en

**Sarja:** ETLA Working Papers

**Sarja Nro:** 9

**Issn:** 2323-2439, 2323-2420

**Saatavuus:** 1

**Publication Research:** No



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