Introduction to special issue : the policy rationale for cross-sector research collaboration and contemporary consequences

National policies and practices shape the tools and institutional form of cross-sector research collaboration (CSRC). However, because innovation systems vary considerably across different countries, so too has the evolution of policy. In this special issue contributions review the policy processes and their implications in seven countries: Australia; Norway; Germany; the USA; Spain; Ireland; and the UK. Overall the comparisons reveal some common trends. For example, there is a general trend toward the institutionalisation of collaborative processes and practices in formal organisational structures. However, the variation across systems, governance and industrial structures reinforce the need for a diverse approach to CSRC policy. Many policy mechanisms reflect a response to the policy challenge of achieving a balance between maintaining long-term scientific excellence as well as solving short-term problems for industry. A lesson that emerges from the comparative perspective is to also take into account the pressure for organisational change in organisations engaged with SCRC that is driven by these policies.