What Causes Technology Commercialization to Succeed or Fail after Transfer from Public Research Organizations

Abstract

This study explores how the technology commercialization process leads to either success or failure after transfer from PROs to SMEs by conducting a binomial logistic regression analysis. We found that the more additional development a firm implements on the transferred technology, the more likely the commercialization is to fail. The higher number of alternative technology and bigger market risk are associated with a greater likelihood of failure. On the other hand, the existence of complementary technology, the degree of cooperation with the technology provider, the size of the target market, the willingness of the CEO, and the funding availability are known to have positive effects on the success of technology commercialization. In addition, the case studies we conducted from the sample companies demonstrated that "market uncertainty," "technological issues depending on the technology-specific characteristics," and "a lack of funding capability" are some of the causes for failure of technology commercialization.