University Scientists’ Professional Networks and Technology Transfer

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2039_IE1258

Authors: Santi Effendi and Arent Greve

Abstract: Resistance towards university technology transfers indicates scientists’ negative attitudes to commercialization. Following institutional theory, we investigate scientists’ professional networks and scientists’ collaboration with industry, other researchers, and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs). Each profession operates under diverse rules. Science and commercialization take place in different organizational fields each requiring specific expertise. Networks spanning these fields contribute to scientists understanding technology transfers and to successful commercialization. We find that although universities’ adoption of technology transfers increases scientists’ acceptance, scientists’ commercial orientation vary. Most scientists have local collaboration network (CN). They collaborate with local and regional colleagues but rarely with national or international colleagues. Scientists’ information networks (IN) are typically local. They share technology transfer issues with fellow scientists within commercialization projects and friends. Most TTO managers have local CN and IN. Various projects demand different expertise, resulting in limited collaborations with colleagues within TTO and with other TTOs. IN and CN of university scientists and those of TTO managers are mostly local and separate, indicating that they are not well aware of each other’s institutional norms

Keywords: University technology transfer; knowledge commercialization; scientists’ attitude towards commercialization; information network; collaborative networks; scientists’ professional networks; Technology Transfer Office