From Science to Business: Innovation systems of selected European Universities

In order to support and develop the links between the worlds of science and industry, professional technology transfer organisations (TTO’s) have been frequently established in universities around the world. This paper... [ view full abstract ]

In order to support and develop the links between the worlds of science and industry, professional technology transfer organisations (TTO’s) have been frequently established in universities around the world. This paper focuses on the ways selected European universities have established and organised their Technology Transfer (TT) activities. The study uses, in modified way, the model developed by professor Allan Gibb as a framework. The data collection work was done in a series of interviews in four European universities. In addition the written material received from the universities as well as data was collected from public sources was used.

The study recognised certain elements, which affect the success of the TT activities. The findings of the study indicate that the elements of an innovation system, such as awareness raising and innovation and entrepreneurship education, are visible in the universities’ technology transfer operations but they are valued and recognized differently in different universities. Successful TT can be organised centralised or decentralised way as long as the operating model is known to all involved parties. Creating an entrepreneurial atmosphere and showing that the university values the exploitation of the research results appears to be highly important in order get results from TT activities.