| In this study, we have sought to analyze the impact of the intensification of university-company relations on the practice of research by university professor-researchers. In order to do so, we considered how professors work with industry in a context of under-financing and financing conditional to research relevance. We also looked at their perceptions of the effects of the situation on their research and their academic production. Our study also examined contextual elements and environmental constraints, supported by the pressure of the actors, within a logic of research production oriented towards socio-economic interests and technological innovation.; In terms of theory, we approached the topic from a perspective based on the integration of the structural contingency and strategic analysis in order to understand the impacts on the practice and function of university research; i.e., what generates biased relations between university and industry within a regulating political framework?; In terms of methodology, we chose a qualitative approach, which combined two strategies and involved carrying out 34 semi-structured interviews. The first strategy supported our main procedure and, from the viewpoint of comparison and/or validation, sought to highlight the positions and perceptions of the decision-makers at the corporate liaison or university research development offices. Given their experience in joint-sector research, those in charge at this type of office were able to help us identify a certain number of professor-researchers. The second step required collecting the details of the strategic process of those professor-researchers and their perceptions of how the situation affects their research practices. These interviews took place between autumn 2003 and winter 2004 at six Quebec university institutions. In addition, we collated statistics related to research financing within this type of partnership. Lastly, we used two studies carried out between 1995 and 1999 as reference points to guide our own research.; The results of our study demonstrate that chronic under-financing and directed financing are important factors considered by professor-researchers in deciding to participate in a collaborative research project with the private sector. They seek to answer the social demand by engaging in research that is relevant to innovation and will have repercussions on the university and the graduate students who they supervise. They also take into account the importance of such a commitment in terms of their career. Dependence on private financing has increased and the economic and technological relevance of that is greater for most disciplines. Freedom to publish is called into question to some degree.; Our study further reveals heightened competition among professor-researchers trying to obtain research funds. Graduate students in certain applied sciences assume a more substantial role in collaborative efforts but may also constitute "cheap-labour". Lastly, more professor-researchers engage in the marketing of their research findings by adopting an "entrepreneurial" model. This situation accentuates the unexpected consequences or "perverse effects" whereby some individuals managed to create companies which play the part of funding source and recipient of the results of their own research. Meanwhile, the concepts of intellectual property and conflict of interest remain in a grey zone, a situation which seems to suit the actors. |
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