The impact of government R&D investments on patent technology transfer activities of Chinese universities

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PurposeTriple helix theory stresses co‐evolution and interaction among governments, enterprises and universities, and is paid great attention by governments, universities and enterprises worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role that Chinese government R&D investments play in the interaction between enterprises and universities.Design/methodology/approachBasing on provincial panel data of Chinese universities from 2004‐2010, the impact of government R&D investments on patent technology transfer activities of Chinese universities is studied by empirical analysis. More specifically, the paper examines the impact of both Chinese government R&D funding and national R&D programs on the number and the revenue of patent technology transfer contracts.FindingsThe study finds that the amount of government R&D funding and the number of 973 Programs in one region have significantly increased the number and the revenue of patent technology transfer contracts in that region. Moreover, the number of National S&T Pillar Programs, 863 Program and National Natural Science Foundation Program are also determinants of the number of patent technology transfer contracts.Originality/valueThis paper studies government's role in university‐enterprise patent technology transfer activities in a Chinese context. It reveals a government‐dominant position to promote patent technology transfer activities in Chinese triple helix model. It also provides a reference for decision makers in governments, industries and universities.