Mode Of Technology Transfer Research Articles

Finding an optimal selection in diversify combating modes for desertification region

The differential game method effectively reflects the multi-agent, long-term, and dynamic characteristics of combating regional desertification. Considering the differences in the levels of economic development level and governance technology between adjacent areas, three desertification-combating modes are proposed for exploratory purposes. The differential game models of the two regions combating desertification areas are constructed as per the certain level of cooperation, ecological subsidy, and technology transfer modes. The optimal combating mode is found by comparing the equilibrium results. The study demonstrates that when cooperation level dominated by the region with higher economic and governance technology levels is lower than the threshold $ \phi^{*}_{u_2} $ and $ \phi^{*}_{1V} $, the technology transfer mode is optimal, and the level of cooperation does not affect the technology transfer fee. However, when cooperation level is higher than the threshold $ \phi^{*}_{u_2} $ and $ \phi^{*}_{1V} $, the ecological subsidy mode is optimal. Meanwhile, as the dominant region further raises the cooperation level, it can drive the non-dominant region to increase the desertification combating input level. The certain level of cooperation mode is the least efficient of the three modes. However, when compared with the situation of completely independent governance by the two regions, the certain level of cooperation mode can relatively improve the efficiency of regional desertification combating.

An Evaluation of the Priority Mitigation Technology Needs of Belt and Road Initiative Developing Countries

Climate technology transfer is vital to greening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthening the BRI cooperative partnership. The major concerns of technology transferrers are to clarify what to transfer and where to transfer. On the basis of technology need assessment reports and the cooperative patent classification system, as well as a set of indicators for measuring urgency and attractiveness, this study identified the priority technology needs of BRI countries from global and regional perspectives. We found that technologies such as photovoltaics, land-use policy measures, and road transportation technologies in the energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors are the priority needs in BRI countries; however, these are not fully recognized by China’s current regional cooperation initiatives. In addition, the regional perspective analysis revealed the urgent need for diverse climate technologies at the regional level. Regional mismatches were also detected between China’s current technology transfer efforts and the BRI countries’ requirements, which may be attributed to the demand-pull and market-driven modes of technology transfer. We suggest that technology transferrers adjust their focus on technology cooperation to reflect the changing needs and regional disparities of BRI countries.

The choice of cooperative technology innovation strategies in a supply chain under governmental subsidy

Governments all over the world usually establish the policy of subsidies to stimulate firms’ technology innovation behaviors. The participating firms may share the high risk of expense through cooperative technology innovation. Different forms of governmental subsidies may have a significant impact on the choice of firms’ cooperative innovation strategies. This paper investigates the effect of government subsidies on firms’ technology innovation strategies. We consider two modes of cooperative technology innovation (technology transfer or joint innovation) in a two-level supply chain including an upstream manufacturer (UM) and a downstream manufacturer (DM) in the presence of two forms of governmental subsidies (a per-unit production subsidy or an innovation subsidy). We find that in the presence of either form of governmental subsidy, technology transfer mode is better off for the UM than joint innovation mode when the UM’s distribution power is greater than a threshold, otherwise joint innovation mode is better off. In the presence of a given form of governmental subsidy, the DM’s response strategy is influenced by the interaction of different values of the proportion of revenue and the fraction of innovation cost. In the presence of a per-unit production subsidy, the social welfare is always more under technology transfer mode than under joint innovation mode, while in the presence of an innovation subsidy, the opposite is true. We also show that under a given cooperative innovation mode, both the UM and DM expect a per-unit production subsidy if the per-unit tax credit is high, and they expect an innovation subsidy if the proportion of governmental subsidy is high. Finally, we discuss the robustness of the theoretical results.

A Framework to Manage University–Industry Technology Transfer

This paper focuses on university–industry relationships, and the value in such linkages that motivates firms to choose a particular mode to acquire university-generated research output. We combined insights from literature review and 15 exploratory interviews of multiple stakeholders, and developed a framework to examine university–industry linkages. We grounded our framework on the social exchange theory (SET) and quadruple helix concept. It proposes university climate readiness (e.g. incentive system), firm climate readiness (e.g. managers’ attitude toward academic research), and exchange readiness (e.g. a firm’s absorptive capacity) as antecedents to science-business collaboration, coupled with environmental readiness factors (e.g. unique socio-cultural setting in developing economies) as moderating variables. The framework highlights (1) functional value (i.e. technology pricing, quality, and applicability) and (2) relational value (i.e. trust between academia and industry) in the said relationship. The framework further provides a basis for practitioners to arrive at a suitable university-developed technology transfer mode (e.g. patent licensing, research services, and research partnerships).

Measuring Technology Transfer Success Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Firms

The research tries to answer the management question as to which mode of technology transfer leads to the maximum success among the Northern Malaysian manufacturing firms. The statistical tests employed included one-way ANOVA and multiple regression. One-Way ANOVA was used to test the differences in the mean degree of success for the various modes of transfer. Most significant finding from this study is different modes of technology transfer leads to different degrees of success. FDI would give rise to the highest degree of overall success. This is followed by co-production and lastly, by contractual agreements. Proper choice of technology transfer mode is key since a wrong choice would lead to the company loosing significant market share and could incur heavy losses. Malaysian managers are advised to look seriously into what mode suits their needs best based on the existing situation in the organization and also to ensure that good internal cooperation is maintained among the various functional areas of the firm to achieve high levels of success from the technology transfer. Main limitation is the study was limited only to the Northern Malaysia. Hence the results do not reflect the situation in entire Malaysia. Also, the inclusion of more MNCs, which are mostly FDI-based operations is another limitation. This study provides empirical evidence that will improve the understanding of the modes of technology transfer adopted among the Malaysian SMEs.

Technology transfer systems and modes of national research institutes: evidence from the Chinese academy of sciences

Technology transfer systems (TTSs) and modes of national research institutes (NRIs) have become increasingly significant in shaping national innovation systems. However, few studies have addressed this issue in the context of emerging economies. To fill this research gap, this paper explores the TTSs and modes of Chinese NRIs based on a case study of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). We clarify the institutional factors that influence the adoption of an academy-branch-institute-level TTS, reveal the policy-driven evolvement of this multi-level TTS, and elucidate the operational mechanisms of the TTS. We find that the effective collaboration between the actors within or across the three levels of the TTS could enhance the functions of integration management, science and technology (S&T) resource allocation, and public research and development. Through a thematic synthesis approach, we identify three technology transfer modes of the CAS. These three modes exhibit an evolutionary sequence from the CAS-region cooperation mode to the incubation ecosystem mode and then to the platform-driven mode, following the progress of the Chinese S&T system reform and the repositioning of the CAS mission. These modes have diverse demands for technological cognition and resource allocation capability that can be satisfied by the co-specialised interaction among the three levels of the TTS. Apart from the theoretical implications for technology transfer studies, our findings provide managerial implications for guiding technology transfer from NRIs.

Evaluating The Efficiency Of Technology Transfer In The Processing Industries: An Empirical Approach Based On Data Envelopment Analysis DEA Of The Processing Industries In The Souss-Massa Region

Technology transfer is a powerful growth factor in industrial value added in the processing industries. Of course, it is important to assess the efficiency of technology transfer in the processing industry by analysing its influencing factors and discussing strategies to improve technological innovation. However, it is still difficult to measure its direct impact on the improvement or creation of value added, and one of the most relevant indicators that could measure the real impact of technology transfer is efficiency. The efficiency of the modes of technology transfer will therefore be the comparative relationship between inputs and outputs in the technology transfer activities based. It is an indicator for measuring the profitability of technology investment in industrial transformation. In our study, we will try to integrate a mathematical tool that allows us to solve optimization problems using a program operating under different constraints imposed by a model. The usefulness of this model depends on the ability to implement it, by the managers of production lines who are called upon to implement R&D, innovation or technology transfer projects. Based on panel data of processing industries that use one or more modes of technology transfer in the Souss-Massa region, this article will examine trends in the efficiency of technology transfer use, mainly as a result of technological progress and the promotion of technology transfer.

The organizational choice of technology transfer mode: Theory and application to the genetically modified plant industry

The objective of the present paper is to identify the determinants of the form of collaboration initiated between an upstream innovator and a downstream producer in order to incorporate a new input and commercialize an innovation consisting of a quality enhanced final product, with an empirical application to the genetically modified (GM) plant industry. The choice of upstream firm between license, joint venture, merger, or a subsidiary is modeled as a function of three parameters: degree of quality improvement engendered by the new input, the market share of the downstream producer, and the capability of the downstream producer to incorporate the new input and commercialize it successfully.

International technology transfer: evidence on foreign direct investment in Albania

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the presumed role played by foreign direct investment (FDI) in transferring technology from home country into a host country. This paper uses data from Albanian manufacturing industry; first, to examine whether foreign presence results in technology transfer and, if yes, what type of technology is more prevalent and to what extent? Second, the paper attempts to investigate the purported determinants of technology transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses two main methodological approaches; first, the technology transfer was determined using an arithmetic index developed using simple arithmetic average. This index is determined using all the industries and taking six key components of technology into consideration. They included: products; production processes; technology and innovation; supplier and customers system; human resource management, training and reporting system; financial management, marketing and organizational structure. Second, assuming a limited dependent relationship between the variables and the technology transfer, a Tobit technique was proposed to examine the significant determinants of technology transfer. Technology transfer was proxied by the technology transfer index developed.FindingsThe results clearly demonstrate that FDI plays an important role in technology transfer and that notwithstanding the industrialization of Albania. As per the technology transfer index developed, product-related technology transfer ranked highest followed by the process-related technology. The Tobit results generated indicated that firm age, performance, absorptive capacity, labor mobility, innovation, demonstration effect and systematic support were all key determinants of technology transfer. Surprisingly, size of the firm did not seem to matter.Research limitations/implicationsThe results have possible managerial and policy ramifications. First, the government should continue to provide basic infrastructure. Second, the government needs to formulate policies focused on human capital accumulation. Third, policies should be focused on firm learning and innovation in order to build technological and absorptive capabilities. Moreover, there should be increased effort to facilitate and encourage R&D. Fourth, the government should coordinate and support the institutions especially those that play a crucial role in industrial investment promotion. Fifth, the government should encourage systemic interactions among different entities. Sixth, since high competition from foreign firms can crowd out domestic investment, strategic measures to regulate such competition should be enacted.Originality/valueThe novelty in this paper is the broad conceptualization of technology transfer to include not only the direct but also the indirect mode of technology transfer, which often takes place in the form of spillovers. The physical technology transfer, as well as, its actual impact in the economy is examined to ascertain that technology transfer indeed takes place. The analytical framework adopted overlaps international business, technology transfer and technological innovation literature strands to examine the holistic process of technology transfer.

‘To sell or not to sell’: Licensing versus selling by an outside innovator

We study various modes of technology transfer of an outside innovator in a spatial framework when the potential licensees are asymmetric. In addition to different licensing options, we also look into the option of selling the property rights of innovation and find the optimal mode of technology transfer. For licensing we find the optimal policy is to offer pure royalty contracts to both licensee firms when cost differentials between the firms are relatively small compared to the transportation cost, otherwise offer a fixed fee licensing contract to the efficient firm only. Interestingly, we show the innovator is always better-off selling the innovation to any one of the firms who further licenses it to the rival firm. The result holds irrespective of the size of the innovation (drastic or non-drastic) and the degree of cost asymmetry between the licensees. Social welfare is greater under selling than licensing.

Intellectual Property Enforcement, Exports and Productivity: Evidence from China

We study how provincial-level enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) affects Chinese firms’ decisions regarding exit, export, and the channels through which to receive technology transfer. Our findings provide insights into how variations in IPRs enforcement alter productivity. Our model combines the standard theory of heterogeneous firms with the endogenous choices of those firms concerning how they absorb international technologies through imitation or licensing. We show that, in this setting, the exit and export cutoff productivities differ from those in the standard environment, leading to a different sorting mechanism. We also predict that stronger IPRs change the decisions firms make concerning their mode of technology transfer, further altering their productivity and export possibilities. Empirical tests based on a comprehensive dataset of Chinese firms from 2000 to 2006 support the model predictions.

Rethinking loose coupling of rules and entrepreneurial practices among university scientists: a Japan–Israel comparison

This paper explores the trajectories of the development and institutionalization of technology transfer structures and activities in Israel and Japan, two countries with strong science and technology sectors, from the 1950s to the present. We examine the local arrangements that existed before the introduction of the U.S. model in the 1980s and 90s, and how the Japanese and Israeli schemes of technology transfer evolved under the combination of local practices and U.S. influence. Drawing on new institutional theory’s concept of loose coupling, we identify different types of loose coupling between formal structures and practices in Israeli and Japanese fields of technology transfer before and after the introduction of U.S. model. Our analysis show that the new configurations in the two countries are best analyzed by looking at two factors: (1) The perceived efficacy of the local, previous technology transfer arrangements, and; (2) the gap between the local arrangement and the U.S. technology transfer model. In the Israeli case, the former technology transfer model was similar to the one in the U.S.—however, it was perceived as potentially ineffective and thus disputable. In the Japanese case, the former technology transfer model was seen as effective and largely uncontested. The introduction of the U.S. formal model with the university ownership of patents disrupted the informal technology transfer mechanisms in Japan. These historical trajectories explain why, on one hand, Israeli science community was quick to adopt to the U.S. model but contested its efficacy and legitimacy, and on the other hand, the Japanese science community modified the U.S. model through negotiating conditions that were as favorable to firms than universities as their previous mode of technology transfer. Through these cases, we show how loose coupling in each field developed and changed in response to global and local policies. We argue that attention to the local dynamics of loose coupling can help explain local variations in the global diffusion of the American style of technology transfer.

Technology upgrading of Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through a manpower secondment strategy – A mixed-methods study of Singapore's T-Up program

This paper outlines a scheme that uses manpower from public research institutes to assist the technology upgrading of Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrading (GET-Up) initiative has been successfully implemented in Singapore since 2003. The key program in the initiative is a manpower secondment scheme (i.e. a temporary placement of manpower in a different organization) known as T-Up. We propose that T-Up represents a new approach to technology transfer which additionally maximizes the industrial impact of public sector research. Instead of traditional technology transfer modes which are transactions-based, T-Up utilizes skills and human resource transfer through secondment of public sector researchers. Findings from two surveys conducted in 2005 and 2012 show that the T-Up secondment program had positive impact on the technological capabilities, innovation performance and growth of participating companies. Additionally, case studies highlight that this approach addresses a wide range of challenges faced by local SMEs and is flexible enough to cater to specific needs and requirements.

A Heuristic for Technology Strategies in Post-Kyoto Bottom-Up Climate Policy

The recent UNFCCC conferences starting with Bali in 2007 until Lima in 2014 have paved the way for the integration of nationally determined initiatives into the global climate governance architecture. National ‘green growth’ strategies have become a new paradigm for policymakers and executives. Designed with the aim of decoupling economic development from adverse environmental impacts, these bottom-up policies hold the promise of overcoming the gridlock in international climate negotiations. Building on the literature on innovation research, this paper contributes to the understanding of technology strategies in the context of nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) under the UNFCCC. It is evident that NAMAs aiming to create domestic industries by leveraging technological innovation must consider the characteristics of the targeted technology. Working from this notion, this paper proposes a heuristic to differentiate between four distinct types of technologies. Each type features specific forms of technological learning, value chain constellations and modes of technology transfer. We illustrate the four types using the cases of small hydro, wind turbines, electric vehicles and solar cells and discuss methodologies to classify further technologies ex-ante. We argue that the heuristic captures essential technological characteristics that NAMAs and international support mechanisms need to consider. The different forms of technological learning and value chain constellations are relevant for a country’s choice of technological priorities, while the modes of technology transfer can inform strategies for implementation and international cooperation. We discuss technology-specific strategies for developing countries at different stages of development and international institutions such as the Green Climate Fund and the new Technology Mechanisms under the UNFCCC.

Monitoring on Mode Selection for Technology Transfer Based on Regional Sustainable Development

The selection mode for technology transfer plays a significant role along with whole process of technology transfer because its methods and approaches could impact the progress and effect of technology transfer, which also fundamentally influence on regional sustainable development. To construct a selection model for monitoring technology transfer, we firstly examined influential factors related with technology transfer from four perspectives, such as regional development, supplies and recipient of technology, transferred technology and transfer modes. Then we drafted a roadmap for technology transfer, and built up the selection model of technology transfer mode with multivariate conditional LOGIT theory. The research contribution in this paper could be used for monitoring on mode selection for technology transfer, which could influence on regional sustainable development both directly and indirectly.

Technology transfer through OFDI: the case of Indonesian natural resource-based MNEs

This article discusses technology transfer through outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by Indonesian natural resource-based multinational enterprises (MNEs), including motives of OFDI and modes and path of technology transfer through OFDI. First, the motives of OFDI by Indonesian MNEs are to: (i) have a better position in controlling the market, (ii) make the production centre closer to the market, (iii) develop brand image in foreign market, and (iv) exploit resources in host countries and encourage MNEs to be more innovative. Second, the modes of technology transfer are through: (i) on-the-job training, (ii) assigning staff overseas, (iii) regular meetings, and (iv) appointing talented management. Third, technology transfer corresponds to objectives of MNEs’ expansion and its network evolution. Its path follows the S-curve of technology transfer through OFDI. It implies that Indonesian government policies should (i) encourage firms to attain high innovative capability by providing investment fund for joint R&D on the national champion project, overseas market intelligence for OFDI, and co-investment on the strategic project for OFDI, and (ii) maintain a conducive investment climate, stable economic growth, and high consumer demand to drive local firms to become MNEs by facilitating the establishment of cluster and MNEs’ network.

Selecting University Technology Transfer Modes: An Examination of Biotechnology Firms' Entrepreneurial Orientation

Universities use technology transfer to disseminate groundbreaking knowledge to biotechnology firms. Each transfer mode—licensing, sponsored contract research, and consulting arrangements —offers biotechnology firms an opportunity to acquire a unique bundle of knowledge and resources. This study proposes that an entrepreneurial orientation (EO) may influence a firm’s selection of a specific technology transfer mode. An EO reflects a firm’s willingness to innovate, take risks, and become a first mover. This strategic orientation may guide managers to select a transfer mode that not only fits a firm’s needs but also enables it to gain an advantage. This study uses multinomial logistic regression to examine how a DBF’s innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking influence a DBF’s transfer mode selection

Does Licensing Induce Technological Spillovers to Domestic Firms?

Productivity differences can explain differences in economic growth across countries. It has been demonstrated that the presence of a foreign-owned multinational enterprise (MNE) in a developing country is one of the most important methods through which technology transfer occurs. This presence could be in the form of foreign direct investment (FDI), licensing, or imports from the developing country. However, it is still unclear by what means and how effectively each type of foreign presence affects domestic productivity.In this paper, I study licensing as one of the channels through which foreign technology is transferred to domestic plants. This technology transfer can occur in one industry and also in related industries, which results in technology spillovers that can affect both intra- and inter-industry productivity. Moreover, the institutional framework of the country can affect the type of foreign presence adopted by MNEs in the host country. Therefore, it is important to analyze the effect of a change in the institutional framework on technology spillovers. This can be achieved by analyzing a set of new and stronger intellectual property rights (IPR).Using Chilean firm level data for the 2001-2007 period I find that there are positive inter-industry spillover effects when licensing occurs in downstream sectors which result in higher productivity for domestic plants in upstream sectors (backward spillovers). When evaluating the effect of the IPR measure, I find that stronger IPR measures decrease the backward spillover effect. I also find that the change in policy has a stronger effect on firms that are, on average, smaller and have low productivity.Moreover, there is a crowding-out effect between licensing and FDI since, with better IPR, MNEs prefer doing licensing than incurring higher costs of FDI. This is consistent with the literature arguing that licensing becomes the preferred mode of technology transfer, replacing FDI, once a certain threshold of IPR is reached.

Redefining university roles in regional economies: a case study of university–industry relations and academic organization in nanotechnology

The emerging field of nanotechnology has created a new frontier for the convergence of university and industrial research. In the United States, major federal investments provided a massive boom for this field over the decade. This paper reports on a case study of how the University at Albany came to establish the first college of nanotechnology in the US, as part of a larger R&D complex oriented towards building a regional nanoelectronics cluster. The case points to the role of entrepreneurs in mobilizing ideas and resources to advance novel organizational forms. This study demonstrates how a mode of technology transfer based on research facilities was deliberately used to build a nanotechnology complex at Albany, highlighting the enabling role of state S&T policies in supporting university engagements in regional economic development.

Identification of Technology transfer options based on technological characteristics

Summary Traditionally, licensing has been the dominant channel for the commercialization of the intellectual property of public sectors. However, performing the cooperative R&D and formation of spin‐off companies has become an alternative route for technology transfer. With plenty of options by which public research institutes (PRI) can employ technology transfer, one should determine first the appropriate channel for the transfer in order to establish the appropriate strategy. This paper builds a theoretical framework to match the mode of technology transfer with two key conditions: (1) absorptive capacity of recipient firms and (2) dependence on complementary assets. The theoretical discussion elucidates that the combination of lower level of absorptive capacity and less dependence on complementary assets favor the creation of new firms as a mode of technology transfer; the opposite combination favors cooperative research and development (R&D), and the in‐between case supports licensing as an appropriate mode of transfer. Based on the theoretical framework, we analyzed the case of chemical industry in Korea utilizing the concept of patent portfolio analysis.