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Engines need transmission belts: the importance of people in technology transfer offices

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Listed:
  • Alessandra Micozzi

    (Università E-Campus
    Università Politecnica Delle Marche)

  • Donato Iacobucci

    (Università Politecnica delle Marche)

  • Irene Martelli

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

  • Andrea Piccaluga

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

Abstract

Over the last 20 years, universities and Public Research Organizations have increased their efforts to transfer their research results towards industrial applications in order to generate economic and social impact. Among many different actions, new technology transfer offices (TTOs) have been set up and existing ones strengthened. The present paper intends to evaluate the effects of a specific policy action launched by the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM) within the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MISE), aimed at increasing the number of employees in TTOs to foster technology transfer in general and the valorization of intellectual property rights more specifically. Our results suggest that the impact of the UIBM policy action has been positive and that in some specific situations the impact was stronger. Our results therefore contribute to the technology transfer literature and can have implications for both academic research and decisions regarding investments in human resources in university TTOs.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Micozzi & Donato Iacobucci & Irene Martelli & Andrea Piccaluga, 2021. "Engines need transmission belts: the importance of people in technology transfer offices," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(5), pages 1551-1583, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:46:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1007_s10961-021-09844-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-021-09844-7
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    3. Modic, Dolores & Suklan, Jana, 2022. "Multidimensional experience and performance of highly skilled administrative staff: Evidence from a technology transfer office," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).

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