System dynamic analysis on industry-university-research institute synergetic innovation process based on knowledge flow

The industry-university-research institute synergetic innovation (IUR-SI) is a contractual arrangement formed by the core subjects of enterprises, universities, and research institutes, with the cooperation and assistance of intermediary organizations and other auxiliary organizations. The purpose of knowledge appreciation, sharing, and creation, along with the collaborative interaction approach, can realize joint development of major scientific and technological innovations. By analyzing the key factors affecting knowledge flow in the IUR-SI process, this research explores how knowledge flow can be promoted more effectively and efficiently. First, the subjective, knowledge, and knowledge flow simulation factors which influence knowledge flow in the IUR-SI process are analyzed. Then the knowledge flow process is simulated using the system dynamics method. Finally, the corresponding system dynamics model is constructed, and its simulation is analyzed. The results show that in the IUR-SI process, knowledge sharing ability, knowledge hiding coefficient, knowledge failure rate, subject innovation willingness, trust relationship, and organizational distance have obvious influences on the overall knowledge stock of the system, meaning that the above factors have relatively high sensitivity. The continuous flow of knowledge will gradually strengthen their influence. Knowledge flow is more affected by internal driving mechanisms, such as knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing. Changes in the internal driving mechanism’s role will affect knowledge flow efficiency, while factors such as trust relationships and organizational distance will have a relatively small effect. These results indicate that improving knowledge flow efficiency, the internal environment, and strengthening knowledge transfer and sharing, should be of great importance.