The Complex Relationship Driving Technology Transfer: The Potential Opportunities Missed by Universities

Abstract

Since the Bayh-Dole act, decreased federal funds to research-intensive and extensive universities resulted in a search for alternative resources to continue research activities. Changes made by higher education institutions in strategic orientation initiated the development of technology transfer offices designed to support patent development, licensure to corporations, and spin-off of entrepreneurial efforts. Researchers seek explanatory models to understand variances in university success; however, current models lack full descriptive power. Therefore, we first identify the current research base on technology transfer; propose an alternative view; and, recommend propositions and future research.