Multi-dimensional time and university technology commercialisation as opportunity praxis: A realist synthesis of the accumulated literature

Abstract

The empirical observation that only a small minority of university patents are translated into commercialised technology, combined with the absence of systematic research on opportunity praxis provided the motivation for our research. Time constitutes a critical dimension in the unfolding of, and therefore it offers a window into, deciphering praxis. In response, we set out to develop a novel temporal framework that could be used to provide insights into the opportunity praxis of university technology commercialisation. This framework builds on the paradigmatic foundations of critical realism and is used to conduct a realist synthesis of the existing literature. Our findings support an extension of the temporal boundaries of commercialisation towards innovation, placing increasing emphasis on user-entrepreneurs and organisations. Moreover, our analysis shows that there is merit in understanding the choices they make, from a kaleidoscope of alternatives visible to them, at specific junctures. This is an important aspect of increasing the translation of university-held patents into commercialised technology.