University Technology Incubator: Technology Transfer of Early Stage Technologies in Cross-Border Collaboration with Industry

Abstract

Academia has established various technology transfer channels to support the technology transformation process. However, since universities are not expected to directly approach the market, either the established industry partners have to become involved, or new enterprises have to be developed. The established industry should be prepared for an efficient, early-stage technology transfer with development alliances right across boundaries. This paper looks at the preparation and implementation of the UTI at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ) and aims to explore the specific strategic positioning and capabilities of a university technology incubator with focus on industry alliances. In a case study, the authors investigate technology screening, spin-off formation, and the alliance development phase as a collaborative innovation approach. The existing literature is reviewed and a university technology incubator method, as a “Broker of Technology”, is presented.