Suspense as a driver for University-Industry Collaboration

Journal Article (2020)
Author(s)

L.M. Levrouw (TU Delft - Delft Projectmanagement)

Z.H. van Lubek (TU Delft - Business Relations)

F.E.H.M. Smulders (TU Delft - DesIgning Value in Ecosystems)

Research Group
DesIgning Value in Ecosystems
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v20i13.3835
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2020
Language
English
Research Group
DesIgning Value in Ecosystems
Issue number
13
Volume number
20
Pages (from-to)
66-78
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

The rise of shared global challenges has increased the importance of joint innovation efforts. UniversityIndustry Collaborations (UICs) represent an underexplored opportunity for multi-company initiatives. This article explores how universities can adapt their collaboration offerings toward industry partners so as to better facilitate innovation ecosystems. An empathic design approach was used to examine X!Delft’s ecosystem – part of the valorisation centre of the Delft University of Technology. This revealed one underlying emotional driver of industry partners for participation, namely a shared sense of ‘suspense’ regarding future (technological) developments. Hence, a framework was created to stimulate enduring engagement by cultivating effective suspense.