The duality of the influence of basic research and applied research on technology transfer performance: evidence from Chinese universities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the question of how basic research and applied research independently and interdependently affect technology transfer performance. Using the data of 673 universities in mainland China over 2008-2017, we verify that basic and applied research are critical antecedents of university technology transfer. This study further explores whether the interdependent effect of these two types of research on technology transfer performance is synergistic or antagonistic, and finds empirical support for the antagonistic view. Additionally, university-industry connections and the diversity of disciplines are considered as heterogeneity factors that influence the effectiveness of reconciling the two types of research to enhance technology transfer performance. Our empirical results indicate that science parks can alleviate the antagonistic joint influence of basic and applied research on technology transfer performance. Inconsistent with our prediction, no significant disparities exist between comprehensive universities and non-comprehensive ones in this joint influence. This paper contributes to the literature on university technology transfer within the Triple Helix framework by sheding light on the pressures behind reconciling the excellence in basic research and the pursuit of practical application of research outputs during the process of advancing university technology transfer in the context of China.