Systemic influences upon the operation of innovation and technology transfer intermediaries

This paper considers the role of technology transfer intermediaries (TTIs) in the processes of innovation in networks involving universities, research and development centres, and business firms. A diversity of types of TTIs is recognised in terms of their particular interests in the operation of innovation processes and the conditions they impose in transactions involving intellectual property. The paper identifies the objectives of sponsoring stakeholders as differentiating the missions and accountabilities and, in turn, determining the focus and roles of different types of TTIs. In discussion, the paper proposes that the significance of systemic influence on the processes of technology transfer and innovation requires research at two levels. At the micro-level of personal interactions, examining how systemic influences shape tacit knowledge transfer between and learning by individuals engaged in research and innovation processes. Secondly, at the level of national cultures and here examining the ways in which the cultural context institutionalises patterns of innovation and technology transfer networking.