University-industry collaboration and innovation in emergent and mature industries in new industrialized countries

► We analyse the role of university-industry collaboration in mature and emergent industries, in new industrialized countries. ► We use evidence from 24 research groups in science and engineering departments in Brazil. ► The context and role of university-industry collaboration in mature and emergent industries are diverse. ► In emerging industries, existing knowledge networks are underdeveloped, and public support is dispersed. ► Collaborative projects with emerging industries result less from academic initiative or from public calls for projects.