Commercialization of research results within science became more important within the last decades. Especially universities are increasingly challenged to fulfill their third mission of commercialization. Technology transfer from science to industry is broadly based as it ranges from consultancy to the creation of spin-offs, which is the most visible form of technology transfer from science to industry. One opportunity to facilitate technology transfer in terms of spin-off creation is to establish technology transfer offices at research institutions to support scientists in creating spin-offs. Despite the fact, that research has made important contributions regarding the influence of scientist’s individual characteristics on spin-off creation, literature is still lacking regarding the influence of TTOs on scientist’s propensity to create a spin-off.
In my work I am trying to provide first insights into the perception of TTOs by scientists and which aspects of consultancy offered by TTOs are of most importance for academic entrepreneurs during the creation of a spin-off.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM SCIENCE TO INDUSTRY
3. ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP
4. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICES
5. WHAT DRIVES SCIENTISTS TO BECOME ENTREPRENEUR?
6. RESEARCH DESIGN
6.1 Max Planck Society
6.2 Max Planck Innovation GmbH as a Technology Transfer Organization
6.3 Interviews
7. RESULTS
7.1 Interview – Company A
7.2 Interview – Company B
7.3 Interview – Company C
7.4 Interview – Company D
7.5 Meta-Analysis
8. LIMITATIONS
9. CONCLUSION, MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS AND OUTLOOK
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how the consultancy provided by Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) influences a scientist’s propensity to create a spin-off. By analyzing qualitative data from spin-offs within the Max Planck Society, the research explores the critical role of institutional support in navigating the complexities of academic entrepreneurship.
- The role of Technology Transfer Offices in academic spin-off creation
- Determinants of academic entrepreneurship and scientist motivations
- The impact of specific consultancy services like patent management and legal advice
- Comparison of theoretical versus practice-oriented support for academic founders
Excerpt from the Book
6.3 Interviews
In order to examine the research question four samples have been randomly selected and interviews have been conducted. As this study shall provide first insights into a new topic, I chose a qualitative interview to gather the required information. Hence, my interview was semi-structured and was supposed to gather as much information as possible from the interviewees by serving as a conservation-guideline. Two interviews have been conducted personally whereas another two interviews have been conducted by phone. The duration of an interview was assumed to be about one hour and this framework of duration could be applied for all interviews. In order to comply with the wish of some interviewees the spin-offs and interviewees will remain anonymous.
The interviews shall answer the following keynotes:
(1) Do different areas of science have different need for consultancy regarding the foundation?
(2) Which subject of the consultancy was of most importance for the entrepreneur?
(3) Within which phase during the foundation process was the consultancy the most important?
(4) How important was the consultancy by Max Planck Innovation and/or any other organization for the process of foundation?
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Sets the stage by highlighting the increasing importance of commercialization as a third mission for universities and identifying the research gap regarding the influence of TTOs on spin-off propensity.
2. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM SCIENCE TO INDUSTRY: Provides a literature review on how universities have moved from an ivory tower model to being more connected to industry through various channels including spin-offs.
3. ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Defines academic entrepreneurship in the context of this work as the founding of spin-offs based on research results and emphasizes its economic importance.
4. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICES: Discusses the functions of TTOs in protecting intellectual property and supporting scientists, while addressing criticisms and the factors that influence their effectiveness.
5. WHAT DRIVES SCIENTISTS TO BECOME ENTREPRENEUR?: Analyzes macro and micro determinants of entrepreneurship, highlighting that individual characteristics often have a stronger impact than organizational policies.
6. RESEARCH DESIGN: Details the methodology, focusing on the qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted with four spin-offs supported by the Max Planck Innovation GmbH.
7. RESULTS: Presents the individual findings from four company interviews and provides a meta-analysis showing the homogeneous importance of TTO support across the sample.
8. LIMITATIONS: Acknowledges the study's constraints, including the small sample size and the focus on non-serial entrepreneurs, as well as potential interview biases.
9. CONCLUSION, MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS AND OUTLOOK: Summarizes the key findings, suggesting that TTOs should strengthen their support in legal and patent-related areas while incorporating more practice-oriented advice.
Keywords
Academic Entrepreneurship, Technology Transfer Offices, Spin-offs, Commercialization, Patent-management, Max Planck Society, Knowledge Transfer, Research Policy, University-Industry Relations, Scientist Motivations, Intellectual Property, Business Creation, Consultancy, Startup, Innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates how consultancy services provided by Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) impact an academic scientist's propensity and success in founding a spin-off company.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the evolution of science-industry relations, the definition of academic entrepreneurship, the institutional role of TTOs, and the specific drivers that motivate scientists to commercialize their research.
What is the main research question?
The study seeks to answer: "How is a scientist’s propensity to create a spin-off influenced by consultancy from technology transfer offices?"
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The author utilized a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured, one-hour interviews with four academic entrepreneurs who were involved in spin-off creation processes within the Max Planck Society.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The work moves from a theoretical literature review on university missions and TTO effectiveness to a practical empirical study, ending with managerial implications for how TTOs can better serve academic founders.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Academic Entrepreneurship, Technology Transfer Offices, Spin-offs, Commercialization, Patent-management, and Intellectual Property.
How does the Max Planck Innovation GmbH differ from other TTOs?
The study notes that Max Planck Innovation involves natural scientists in their consultancy team to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of research, rather than focusing solely on legal and financial aspects.
What was the most important finding regarding consultancy?
The research revealed that TTO support is most crucial during the early planning and foundation phases, specifically regarding patent management, market screening, and legal contracting.
Why do entrepreneurs in this study also seek external help?
Interviewees reported seeking additional support from external entrepreneurs to gain practice-oriented insights and a second opinion on the advice provided by the formal TTO.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Friedrich Kern (Autor:in), 2016, The Role of Technology Transfer Offices in Academic Entrepreneurship, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/350910
