In Search of the Perfect Match: A Configurational Approach to Technology Transfer in Singapore

Abstract

How do we match technology transfer sources to recipients? In this paper, we approach this question by addressing gaps in two distinct streams of the literature. In the technology-transfer literature, the integrated pretransfer matching framework is in need of empirical validation, which calls for an empirical approach that can cope with its configurational, equifinal, causally asymmetric, and multinomial features. In the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) literature, the emerging variant multivalue QCA (mvQCA), one of the few techniques to tackle the above four features is in need of multivalue theory applications. Thus, these two seemingly unrelated literature hold the key to fill each other's gap. To address the gaps, we leveraged the unique public research institute (PRI) to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) transfer context in Singapore. We collected 188 responses from three stakeholders [i.e., research scientists and engineers, public research institutes (PRIs), and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)] who are involved in technology transfer. Our analysis suggested one necessary and six sufficient PRI-SME configurations that enhance the commercialization potential of the transferred technology. Furthermore, we identified three sufficient PRI-SME configurations that hinder the commercialization of technology transfer activities. Not only does our paper establishes the validity of pretransfer matching framework, but also introduces the mvQCA method to management scholars.