From science management to innovation management: New forms of science-industry relations and knowledge transfer

There is a long tradition of research on university-industry collaboration, but recent developments—including expanded academic engagement, the rise of new intermediaries and platforms for science-industry engagement, the revitalization of corporate science, and the development of mission-oriented research policies—call for fresh investigation. These changes have raised new questions about ways to align diverse knowledge transfer practices, foster meaningful collaboration, and support evolving academic engagement and corporate science practices. The papers included in this Special Issue examine science-industry relations at three levels. At the micro level, they look at how individual motivations, identities, and engagement practices shape knowledge exchange and research productivity. At the meso level, they explore organizational structures, strategic intent, and governance mechanisms that enhance scientific development and innovation. And at the macro level, they investigate ecosystem-wide dynamics, including intermediaries, living labs, and broader policy landscapes that foster interdisciplinary co-creation and legitimacy-building. Together, these perspectives underscore the transformative potential of science-industry collaboration while illustrating the inherent complexities of the process. Reflecting on these insights, this Special Issue proposes an agenda for expanding methodological approaches, contextualizing research across diverse settings, developing novel theoretical anchors, and addressing Grand Challenges through more integrated and inclusive collaborations. • Outlines a new era of research on university-industry (U-I) collaboration. • Examines science-industry relations at micro, meso and macro levels. • Highlights the transformative potential and complexities of U-I collaboration. • Proposes a research agenda with key concerns meriting for further investigation.