Managing Intellectual Capital Components in Technology Transfer Processes: The Case of Romanian Public Research Institutes

This study investigates the technology transfer performance of public research institutes (PRIs) in the Romanian context, as an emerging economy, by focusing on intellectual capital (IC) management. Using a binomial negative regression model and a Firth logistic regression, the study tests the links between IC components and PRI’s technology transfers (TT) and commercialization efforts over eleven years (2012–2022), both as a joint analysis (by using composite indexes for IC dimensions) and an individual indicators analysis. The results show that patenting is strongly and positively affected by structural and relational capital. Other research and development (R&D) results, namely, R&D outcomes that are not publications or patents, have weaker positive liaisons with human and relational capital. The propensity to create new firms has positive connections with relational capital. The findings suggest the importance of adequate rewards for human capital, both financially and in terms of enhancing knowledge/skills, the significant influence of relational capital through collaborations within professional associations and cooperation with industry, and the key role of the research infrastructure. Our paper adds to the literature that has largely investigated the role of universities in transferring technology but has not paid much attention to the research institutes. Finally, scholars have analyzed technology transfer and R&D commercialization mainly in developed countries, while less attention has been paid to emerging economies.