Is technology diffusion from universities to SME’s gaining currency among south african innovation actors? The current state of play

The growing role of Universities in regional innovation and industrial development is well documented. Key to this evolving role of universities in regional economic development is buy-in from policy makers and university authorities. There is however a rigorous debate in both advanced and developing countries concerning this positioning of Universities in regional and national economic imperatives where the emphasis is on the growth and sustainability of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEpsilas) which are seen as key to job creation. Although there is an active government led programme to facilitate Technology Diffusion, this is restricted to Universities of Technology with little or no involvement by the nations other larger and internationally renowned comprehensive universities. This paper will report on a climate survey of the opinions and views of key actors and decision makers within the innovation milieu on the importance of Universities as conduits for Technology Diffusion to enhance SME innovative capabilities and competitiveness in areas of national priority. Empirical results conducted via this survey will be presented and possible implications will be discussed.