Investigación en acción: cómo impulsar la contribución de la universidad en la competitividad de las organizaciones

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to promote the use of action research methodology as a useful tool for improving firms’ competitiveness, enhancing relations between Universities and companies. It provides a detailed analysis of the origin and development of action research, its main characteristics and dimensions, and the advantages and drawbacks of using it. Methodologically, we carry out a review of action research experiences published in scientific journals, and we analyze the specific case of the Volkswagen Navarra Enterprise Chair at the University of Navarra. We consider that this work is relevant in academic terms because it describes and analyzes a useful methodology for the field research of business management, and besides, it permits improving the relationships between the University and the firms.