Access to research and technical information in Denmark

A knowledge economy has been described as one in which the generation and exploitation of knowledge has come to play the predominant part in the creation of wealth. It is not simply about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge; it is also about the more effective use and exploitation of all types of knowledge in all manner of economic activities (Department of Trade and Industry 1998). Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) form a major part of many econo- mies and they play a key role in innovation. Consequently, SME access to and use of research findings is important, not only for firm-level performance but also for the overall performance of national economies. The aim of this study is to examine levels of access to and use of research and technical information by knowledge-based SMEs in Denmark. We explore current levels of access and use, whether there are any barriers to access, access difficulties or gaps, and the costs and benefits involved in accessing research findings.