University collaboration and firm innovation capability: Knowledge resources or solutions?

This study investigates how university–industry (U-I) collaboration contributes to firms’ innovation capabilities and innovation performance, focusing on two distinct modes of interaction: (i) universities as platforms for knowledge and innovation; and (ii) universities as providers of technological solutions. By distinguishing these modes, the paper contributes to a broader understanding of how heterogeneous university resources influence firms’ ability to innovate. Using survey data from 176 Brazilian manufacturing firms engaged in collaboration with universities, the analysis reveals that interactions involving universities’ knowledge resources–such as access to research outputs, laboratories, and talent–are more beneficial for enhancing firms’ innovation capabilities than those based on direct technological solutions. These findings offer a holistic view of the benefits associated with different U-I collaboration strategies and highlight the relevance of university knowledge platforms for firms seeking to build long-term innovation capability.