Exploring the knowledge processes within university technology transfer: through an absorptive capacity lens

Abstract

With the emergence of the knowledge based economy, universities have undertaken a new ‘entrepreneurial’ role whereby they can contribute directly to economic development through the commercialisation of knowledge residing within universities. However, to ensure technologies are successfully transferred from universities to industry, there is a need to understand the knowledge processes between multiple stakeholders and how they can be managed. Absorptive capacity has emerged as an important construct for understanding complex knowledge exchanges between entities. Therefore, this thesis focuses on an in-depth exploration of the knowledge processes within university technology transfer through an absorptive capacity lens.

The research undertook an exploratory qualitative study with the aim of inductively building theory in an under-researched area. The data collection methods employed were in-depth interviews with multiple stakeholders, observation and document analysis.

The findings of this study resulted in the identification of 6 key themes, namely, human factors, stakeholder roles, power relationships, knowledge source, organisational factors and external influences which all need to be considered to improve university technology transfer effectiveness. Each of these themes and corresponding subthemes were found to have varying impact on the sharing, transfer, acquisition, absorption and exploitation of knowledge. Thus, stressing the importance of strategically managing the knowledge exchanges and flows that take place between university technology transfer stakeholders so that knowledge can be leveraged to aid university technology transfer success.

As a result of the findings, a conceptual absorptive capacity based framework was developed respresenting the complex knowledge processes involved in university technology commercialisation, thus aiding theoretical development. In addition, practical recommendations are made which should aid future university technology transfer success.

Date of Award	Apr 2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Ulster Univeristy
Supervisor	Sandra Moffett (Supervisor), Rodney McAdam (Supervisor) & Michael Brennan (Supervisor)