University-government partnership in technology transfer: Taiwan's experience

Abstract

Taiwan’s industries are primarily comprised of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These enterprises have a relatively lower capability for self-development; therefore, technology transfer from higher education institutes (HEIs) to SMEs is a critical subject to strengthen the nation’s innovation and development. This study analyses HEIs development of technology transfer in the past ten years. The main research questions are the effects of government/university policies, scale and quality of technology transfer offices (TTOs) on university technology transfer. The results show that progressively effective guidance from government resources has been a key factor in the rapid growth of technology transfer. The patent layout of HEIs has a critical impact on technology transfer. Simultaneously, comprehensive cooperation between TTOs in all educational institutes and firms of intellectual property will play the major role in promoting the next phase of vigorous growth in university technology transfer. In addition, since the size of Taiwan’s technology market is quite limited, the foreign patent layout and international licensing of HEIs are necessary; and the induction and cultivation of professional personnel is the critical issue to sustainable operations of TTOs in Taiwan.