From Bureaucratic Tech Transfer to Entrepreneurial Tech Commercialization

17 Pages Posted: 27 Oct 2008

See all articles by Norris F. Krueger

Norris F. Krueger

Entrepreneurship Northwest; University of Phoenix - Global Business Research, School of Advanced Studies; Max Planck Institute for Economics

Brian Cummings

University of Utah

Steven P. Nichols

University of Texas at Austin - College of Engineering

Date Written: October 23, 2008

Abstract

60 university spinouts in 3 years. 94% still alive. Lowest cost per spinout in the US. The 'book' on successful technology transfer is to find multiple ways to substitute bottom-up entrepreneurial approaches for top-down bureaucratic mechanisms. However, few programs successfully manage the transition to entrepreneurial mode. How did they succeed where so many do not?

We present an overview of the new University of Utah program where spinouts have skyrocketed (the stats above). We share the key facets of their multiple entrepreneurial approaches that converged on their current success, supported by theory and evidence from other successful programs that will give the audience critical 'lessons learned' and a deeper understanding of how other institutions can deploy this constellation of entrepreneurial mechanisms. How does Utah (and other top programs) put entrepreneurs first? How can we replicate their success?

Etzkowitz (2008) shows that despite the press and PR, the median TTO loses money - probably more than is usually known. Only a handful regularly generate significant positive cash flow. How do they differ?

We offer here a set of key principles for successful technology commercialization, illustrated by a very recent exemplar, that of the University of Utah. As opposed to a case study where the story unfolds and key best practices identified en route, this essay builds a model for successful technology commercialization organized into five key elements. For each element, we then describe the Utah model in those terms, followed by lessons for application elsewhere.

Keywords: tech transfer, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial climate, technology transfer

JEL Classification: O31, O32, M13

Suggested Citation

Krueger, Norris F. and Krueger, Norris F. and Cummings, Brian and Nichols, Steven P., From Bureaucratic Tech Transfer to Entrepreneurial Tech Commercialization (October 23, 2008). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1288942 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1288942

Norris F. Krueger (Contact Author)

Entrepreneurship Northwest ( email )

1632 South Riverstone
Suite 304
Boise, ID 83706
United States
(208) 440-3747 (Phone)

University of Phoenix - Global Business Research, School of Advanced Studies ( email )

4025 Riverpoint Parkway
Phoenix, AZ
United States

Max Planck Institute for Economics ( email )

Kahlaische Str. 10
D-07745 Jena
Germany

Brian Cummings

University of Utah ( email )

1645 E. Campus Center
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
United States

Steven P. Nichols

University of Texas at Austin - College of Engineering ( email )

1 University Station
Austin, TX 78712-1179
United States

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