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Initiation of knowledge and technology transfer from academia to industry: Opportunity recognition and transfer channel choice

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Huegel

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Department of Economics)

  • Philip Doerr

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Department of Economics)

  • Martin Kalthaus

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Department of Economics)

Abstract

The transfer of knowledge and technology from academia to industry is usually understood as a process. While previous research focuses on phenomena along the process and its outcomes, the starting point of the process – the initiation of a transfer activity – remains unstudied. We provide first empirical insights on the initiation of the transfer process and conceptualize this initiation as a simultaneous recognition of a transfer opportunity and the choice of a transfer channel. We focus on Science-Industry collaboration, Intellectual Property Rights and spin-off creation as relevant channels. We use survey data from 1,149 scientists from the German state of Thuringia and utilize seemingly unrelated regressions to account for selection and multiple channel choices in our econometric approach. Our results show a positive relationship between scientists’ probability to recognize a transfer opportunity and different kinds of prior knowledge. Contrary to our expectation, scientific quality reduces the likelihood of recognizing a transfer opportunity. For the choice of the transfer channel, the results show a positive relationship between choosing the spin-off channel and risk willingness, as well as basic research. Applied research increases the likelihood to choose Intellectual Property Rights as a channel. Furthermore, role models are positively associated with these two channels.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Huegel & Philip Doerr & Martin Kalthaus, 2023. "Initiation of knowledge and technology transfer from academia to industry: Opportunity recognition and transfer channel choice," Jena Economics Research Papers 2023-002, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2023-002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Transfer Process; Transfer Initiation; Opportunity Recognition; Transfer Channel; Science-Industry Collaboration; Intellectual Property Right; Academic Spin-off;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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