The Effectiveness of University Technology Transfer: Lessons Learned, Managerial and Policy Implications, and the Road Forward

68 Pages Posted: 11 May 2006

See all articles by Phillip Phan

Phillip Phan

Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School

Donald S. Siegel

Arizona State University-School of Public Affairs

Date Written: April 28, 2006

Abstract

In recent years, there have been numerous studies of the effectiveness of university technology transfer. Such technology transfer mechanisms include licensing agreements between the university and private firms, science parks, incubators, and university-based startups. We review and synthesize these papers and present some pointed recommendations on how to enhance effectiveness. Implementation of these recommendations will depend on the mechanisms that universities choose to stress, based on their technology transfer "strategy." For example, institutions that emphasize the entrepreneurial dimension of technology transfer must address skill deficiencies in technology transfer offices, reward systems that are inconsistent with enhanced entrepreneurial activity and the lack of training for faculty members, post-docs, and graduate students in starting new ventures or interacting with entrepreneurs. Universities will also have to confront a set of issues related to ethics and social responsibility, as they more aggressively pursue technology commercialization. Finally, we suggest some possible theoretical frameworks for additional research.

Keywords: University technology transfer, entrepreneurship, technology transfer offices, science parks

JEL Classification: M13, D24, L31, O31, O32

Suggested Citation

Phan, Phillip H. and Siegel, Donald S., The Effectiveness of University Technology Transfer: Lessons Learned, Managerial and Policy Implications, and the Road Forward (April 28, 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=900605 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.900605

Phillip H. Phan

Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School ( email )

100 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States

Donald S. Siegel (Contact Author)

Arizona State University-School of Public Affairs ( email )

411 North Central
Phoenix, AZ 85004
United States
6024961101 (Phone)

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