A conceptual framework for studying a technology transfer from academia to new firms

This paper summarizes results of an ongoing research of determinants of technology transfer from academia to new firms. Drawing from previous theoretical and empirical developments in the literature, a conceptual framework for studying technology transfer at the individual’s level (entrepreneur’s standpoint) is developed. The elements of the conceptual framework at the individual’s level are (1) as dependent variables: Academic’s entrepreneurial involvement or Academic’s intention to become an entrepreneur and (2) as independent variables: Personal networks, Number of years spent at the academic institution, Nature of research, Motivational factors, Previous work with the industry, Scientific publications, Role models, Support from academic institution, Patents and Entrepreneurial self efficacy. We believe that the proposed conceptual framework for studying technology transfer from academia to new firms will help researchers, policy makers and practitioners in designing policy measures and instruments to foster technology transfer from academia to new firms. In further stages of this research the model will be tested in three European regions (Slovenia, Eindhoven area and Cambridge area) for intercultural comparison.