Examining knowledge transfer activities in UK universities: advocating a PROMETHEE-based approach

摘要: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the portfolio knowledge transfer (KT) activities in 162 UK higher education institutions. In doing so, creates an index and ranking, but more importantly, it identifies specific groupings or strategic profiles universities defined by different combinations strengths individual KT from which overall rankings are derived. Previous research, concentrating on entrepreneurial universities, shows that vary substantially among universities. broad universities' activities, however, remains underexplored, creating gaps terms relative strength, range, focus combination these degree there distinct university profiles. By examining grouping into “types”, research allows policymakers better develop measure clearer KT-strategies. Design/methodology/approach: present applied Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) rank based their activities. It utilised data 2015–2016 Higher Education Business Community Interaction Survey dataset. Findings: Findings show differ portfolios using PROMETHEE, a new ranking generated, portfolio. This paper also four types groups diversity intensity activities: Ambidextrous, broad, focused indifferent. Originality/value: contributes entrepreneurship literature, specifically through generated concerning activity. extends existing literature archetypes (including those concerned with Entrepreneurial University) technique detailed analysis range applying PROMETHEE approach, results illustrate nuanced definition than before, simultaneously evaluating combination, allowing us identify portfolios. Implications findings key stakeholders include potential need government take account mixes region when considering how best support its role direct indirect promotion regional policy goals.