A Conceptual Model for University-Industry Knowledge Transfer through Technology Intelligence Cycles and Social Networks: Multiple case study of Technology Transfer Projects

Abstract

Technology intelligence provides a means for organizations to monitor developments and to look for new technologies and to then pass this information to the decision-makers or planners in the organization. This paper analyses the university-industry knowledge transfer gaps and suggests that technology intelligence (TI) cycles and processes through social networks could reduce the gaps and eases knowledge transfer. The role of TI as a linkage between academia and industries and influences of social networks is also discussed. In order to explore the variety of interrelations between TI cycles and university-industry knowledge transfer, we perform a case study of 70 projects of University -Industry technology transfer which were facilitated by governmental agencies in Iran. Based on our interviews and in order to have a better perception of the university industry knowledge transfer gaps, we have listed the principal factors contributing to this gap and the reasons why the gap needs to be bridged. According to our case studies, partial or complete technology intelligence (TI) cycles could play important role to narrow the university-industry gaps in several ways. To generalize knowledge transfer and TI cycles interrelations; we suggested a conceptual three layer model at the interface of university-industry-government triple helix. Three layers are include connection layer or linking hyper cycle, process layer or technology intelligence hyper cycle, and physical layer or social networks. TI cycles are performed by University, Industry staff and researchers. These people do their work through social networks. Thus, this layer acts as an inner layer which respectively results in the processes and functions of middle and outer layer and eventually eases knowledge transfer through interface of university industry overlaps.