University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices

This study explores the organisational design and strategic approaches employed by Technology Transfer Offices in U.S. higher education institutions, focusing on their engagement with industry partners. By analysing data from sources such as the Association of University Technology Managers Licensin...

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Main Author: Kateryna Shykhnenko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine. Institute of Higher Education 2024-12-01
Series:Університети і лідерство
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ul-journal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/262
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author Kateryna Shykhnenko
author_facet Kateryna Shykhnenko
author_sort Kateryna Shykhnenko
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the organisational design and strategic approaches employed by Technology Transfer Offices in U.S. higher education institutions, focusing on their engagement with industry partners. By analysing data from sources such as the Association of University Technology Managers Licensing Activity Surveys, the research provides a comprehensive overview of how Technology Transfer Offices facilitate the commercialisation of university-based innovations. The study identifies key functional areas within Technology Transfer Offices, including management, licensing, legal, marketing, and administrative support, and evaluates their roles in the technology transfer process. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its detailed examination of the specific strategies used by Technology Transfer Offices to engage industry partners, such as customised licensing agreements, collaborative research ventures, industry-sponsored research programs, and robust networking and outreach activities. The study assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these practices, providing new insights into how these strategies bridge the gap between U. S. university academic research and market needs. Findings indicate that customised licensing agreements, accounting for 35% of approaches, are a primary strategy. Tailoring licensing terms to meet industry partners’ needs enhances the feasibility and appeal of university technologies. Collaborative research ventures, used in about 30% of cases, foster joint projects between university scientists and industry experts, accelerating technology development and commercialisation. Industry-sponsored research programmes, preferred by universities in the USA in 20% of cases, align university research objectives with market demands, ensuring a direct path to commercialization. Networking and outreach activities, utilised in 15% of cases, are crucial for showcasing university innovations and building industry relationships. The study highlights the importance of effective resource allocation withinTechnology Transfer Offices, with significant investments in licensing (35%) and legal/patent activities (30%). However, the modest allocation to marketing (20%) suggests a potential area for improvement to enhance Technology Transfer Offices’ effectiveness.
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spelling doaj-art-71f44782745c48ed8c4869ea33cd7e052025-08-20T02:56:26ZengNational Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine. Institute of Higher EducationУніверситети і лідерство2520-67022024-12-0118455610.31874/2520-6702-2024-18-45-56262University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional PracticesKateryna Shykhnenko0Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Protection, Kyiv, UkraineThis study explores the organisational design and strategic approaches employed by Technology Transfer Offices in U.S. higher education institutions, focusing on their engagement with industry partners. By analysing data from sources such as the Association of University Technology Managers Licensing Activity Surveys, the research provides a comprehensive overview of how Technology Transfer Offices facilitate the commercialisation of university-based innovations. The study identifies key functional areas within Technology Transfer Offices, including management, licensing, legal, marketing, and administrative support, and evaluates their roles in the technology transfer process. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its detailed examination of the specific strategies used by Technology Transfer Offices to engage industry partners, such as customised licensing agreements, collaborative research ventures, industry-sponsored research programs, and robust networking and outreach activities. The study assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these practices, providing new insights into how these strategies bridge the gap between U. S. university academic research and market needs. Findings indicate that customised licensing agreements, accounting for 35% of approaches, are a primary strategy. Tailoring licensing terms to meet industry partners’ needs enhances the feasibility and appeal of university technologies. Collaborative research ventures, used in about 30% of cases, foster joint projects between university scientists and industry experts, accelerating technology development and commercialisation. Industry-sponsored research programmes, preferred by universities in the USA in 20% of cases, align university research objectives with market demands, ensuring a direct path to commercialization. Networking and outreach activities, utilised in 15% of cases, are crucial for showcasing university innovations and building industry relationships. The study highlights the importance of effective resource allocation withinTechnology Transfer Offices, with significant investments in licensing (35%) and legal/patent activities (30%). However, the modest allocation to marketing (20%) suggests a potential area for improvement to enhance Technology Transfer Offices’ effectiveness.https://ul-journal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/262u.s. universitiestechnology transfer officesu.s. universities' organisational strategiescommercialisation of university-based innovations
spellingShingle Kateryna Shykhnenko
University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
Університети і лідерство
u.s. universities
technology transfer offices
u.s. universities' organisational strategies
commercialisation of university-based innovations
title University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
title_full University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
title_fullStr University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
title_full_unstemmed University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
title_short University Technology Transfer in the USA: Organisational Strategies and Functional Practices
title_sort university technology transfer in the usa organisational strategies and functional practices
topic u.s. universities
technology transfer offices
u.s. universities' organisational strategies
commercialisation of university-based innovations
url https://ul-journal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/262
work_keys_str_mv AT katerynashykhnenko universitytechnologytransferintheusaorganisationalstrategiesandfunctionalpractices