The contribution of public networks to knowledge accumulation

Microbial ex-situ collections provide tangible use value for private and public companies and
research organizations. The paper addresses the factors that affect conservation of microbial
type strains by collections and their distributional policy. A unique worldwide survey of
microbial collections provides empirical support for the need of a public-private institutional
design to ensure knowledge accumulation in microbial and genetic material used in life science
research. Results suggest that the industry relies on public research infrastructure through
microbial collections. Results also indicate that public research infrastructure is the basis for
distribution of inputs for both basic and applied research.

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