Technology Transfer Network Research Articles

More digitalization does not always imply more technology transfer: an analysis within the horizon Europe strategy

AbstractDigitalization plays a pivotal role in today’s economies, facilitating global collaboration by overcoming geographical barriers and enabling technology exchange. Conventional wisdom holds that digitalization directly impacts technology transfer (TT). However, this relationship is not always straightforward. This research challenges this assumption by arguing that countries with higher levels of digitalization may be less effective in TT activities than countries with intermediate digital performance. Drawing on data from Horizon Europe and the Digital Economy and Society Index, the study conducts a two-stage analysis (first a network analysis, followed by a clustering and ANOVA) covering 411 collaborative projects in 31 countries, involving 2,890 participating organizations. Our findings confirm that countries with intermediate levels of digitalization emerge as leaders within the TT network. Furthermore, the study sheds light on specific digitalization indicators (connectivity, human capital, and the integration of digital technology) that can improve the position of European countries within the network.

Do Technology Transfer Networks Impact Urban Innovation Capacity? Evidence From Chinese Cities

Do Technology Transfer Networks Impact Urban Innovation Capacity? Evidence From Chinese Cities

Untangling spatio‐temporal dynamics and determinants of technology transfer from a patent assignment perspective: The case of China's AI data

AbstractThis study delves into the spatio‐temporal dynamics and influencing mechanisms of technology transfer. Leveraging graph theory, we constructed a patent transfer network to understand its evolving patterns. We redefined technology transfer types, analyzed transition probabilities through Markov chain, and summarized their temporal and spatial shifts. Incorporating spatial and nonspatial methods, we explored the heterogeneity of key drivers, such as GDP and internal R&D expenditures, across regions. Our findings reveal that China's AI technology transfer network transformed from sparse to densely interconnected, with transfer types evolving from singular to diversified directions and objects. Provinces often maintain stability or transition to adjacent types, forming agglomerations of similar transfer types. GDP and internal R&D expenditures emerge as key drivers, exerting distinct impacts across regions. This study offers insights to enterprises and policymakers in developing tailored strategies for promoting technology transfer.

Towards Sustainable Downstream Production: Upstream Innovation and Business Model Development for Low-Graded Ribbed Smoked Sheet Natural Rubber in Thailand

Objective: This study from Thailand examined business model development to help transform low-graded ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber into cow shoe production targeting dairy farming. With the Industry 4.0 concept of the knowledge-based economy in the central focus, the research objective was to examine both the supply and demand sides for developing a practical knowledge-based cow shoe business model. Methods: This qualitative research adopted the concepts of knowledge-based entrepreneurship (KBE) and Osterwalder's business model canvas to guide the investigative design. It used documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, and a focus group discussion as the data collection instruments. The data analysis technique was a generic interpretive approach allowing the researchers to analyze the data by constructing codes, categories, and result conceptualization based on the underpinning conceptions of KBE and the business model canvas. Results: This study confirmed cow shoe production as a potential downstream business for rubber production in Thailand with the possibility of KBE characterization of innovation, growth, and competitive advantage. Cow shoes could be sold throughout the year for cattle nourishing routines to ease the pain from hoof and claw trimming. Critical success factors for KBE development in this business included creating production technology transfer networks, promoting financial and knowledge support from rubber promotional authorities and regional universities, and developing a sustainable ecosystem for rubber production to be linked in the value chain with rubber biofuel and cattle farming industries. Conclusion: Considering that innovative rubber production was often suggested at the policymaking level, this paper has filled the knowledge gap by delivering a novel practical framework, supported by empirical evidence, to promote KBE in cow shoe business development as a sustainable downstream business.

Digital Platformas a Tool for the Functioning of the Technology Transfer Network

Problem setting. Today, the digital economy is being transferred to the digital platform, including in the area of technology transfer for innovative products and/or services. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The following scholars were interested in the conceptualization of digital platforms: Acs Z. J. et al. (2021) , Kenney M. and Zysman J. (2020), Plantin Jean-Ch. (2018), Van Gorp N. and Batura O. (2015), Spagnoletti P., Resca A. and Lee, G. (2015), Ghazawnehand A. and Henfridsson O. (2013), Ceccagnoli M. et al. (2012), Tiwana A. et al. (2010), Kurz T, Eder R. and Heistracher T. (2010), Venters W. (2021), Mansell R. and Steinmueller W. E. (2020), Frenken K. and Fuenfschilling L. (2020), Thompson M, Mukhopadhyay S., Bouwman H. and Jaiswal M. P. (2019), Otto B. and Jarke M. (2019), Poell T. et al. (2019), Gawer A. (2021), Van Dijck J. (2020, Keskin B. Van Dijk et al. (2018), Schwarz J. A. (2017). Among Ukrainian scholars, the problems of introducing digital platforms and the conceptual foundations of their development in the context of the formation of the digital economy were of interest to Kokhan V. P., Sichkarenko K. O., Ostrovsky I. A., Lyashenko V. I. and Vyshnevsky O. S., Semenog A. Y. Purpose of the research is to identify the existing views on the category of «digital platform» in the scientific literature, to identify its characteristics, and to provide an overview of its types. We will find out the impact of digital platforms on the activities of technology transfer networks and identify gaps in legal regulation and suggest opportunities for future research. Article’s main body. The article studies the conceptual provisions for substantiating the essence of the category «digital platform» and its impact on the activities of a technology transfer network. The author proves that a digital platform is an important factor enabling innovation through a technology transfer network, a mechanism for stimulating technology transfer, and a certain means of digital transformation. The concept of «digital platform» is widespread in the legal and economic literature, but there are significant differences of opinion among scholars regarding its essence. The study has led to the conclusion that a digital platform is a networked form of business organization, a special type of business model that brings together participants on the principles of an ecosystem and on a voluntary basis to promote valuable interaction between the involved participants, ensure coordination, dissemination of information, transfer of technology, and provision of services. The study found that there are business models of platforms that have a network effect and they exist in the following types: transactional, innovative, integrated, investment, and information platforms. The article emphasizes that from a legal perspective, a digital platform (for technology transfer) is a key tool for the functioning of a technology transfer network which provides for the connection of a large number of participants based on digital technologies, and which aims at coordinating and processing information, providing services, engaging software, assisting in finding partners for research and development and effective interaction of technology transfer participants, digitalization of business processes, transfer of new promising technologies and/or It has been established that the technology transfer network facilitates the implementation of innovative projects of national and international (transnational) technology transfer. Conclusions and prospects for the development. In order to improve the category of «digital platform», its concept should be fixed in the Law of Ukraine «On Stimulating the Development of the Digital Economy in Ukraine» of 15.07.2021 No. 1667-IX and the draft Law «On Digital Content and Digital Services», adopted as a basis on 12.01.2023. And the concept of a technology transfer network and center is defined in the Law of Ukraine «On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer» of 14.09.2006 No. 143-V or in the Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Stimulating Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer No. 4623 of 21.01.2021.

Technology transfer network system in Ukraine

Introduction. The technology transfer system is an effective lever of innovative activity and a driver of the innovative economy. The study of the network system of technology transfer in Ukraine is an important problem of innovative development and commercialization of innovative developments. The formation of an effective network system of technology transfer is the foundation of innovative development of Ukraine's economy, which is key to determining Ukraine's place in global innovative development. Goal. Determination of the theoretical and methodological basis of the formation of a model of the network system of technology transfer in Ukraine Method (methodology). The methodological basis of the research is a system of general scientific and special methods, namely deduction (in the construction of the structure of the work in a logical relationship and study of the subject in general, the unity and interdependence of its components), induction (in the formation of general conclusions of the conducted research), abstract science and synthesis (in clarification of interpretations of categorical tools). The results. Based on the results of the research, the concepts of technology transfer center and technology transfer network are summarized, the role of the technology transfer network in the innovative development of Ukraine is determined, and a structural and logical scheme of the model of the network system of technology transfer for Ukraine is proposed. It was determined that the main tasks of the technology transfer network are activities aimed at commercializing the results of scientific research and development, promoting cooperation and cooperation between science and industry, as well as providing services and consulting to companies in certain scientific fields. The network system of technology transfer acts as a transferable mechanism for the development, implementation of innovations and their introduction into life. The formation of technology transfer centers on the basis of large research universities and scientific institutions creates a very powerful mechanism that carries out scientific, innovative, educational, and marketing activities. In this way, a multi-component structure is formed, which combines all processes related to the commercialization of innovations, knowledge and technologies.

Technology transfers to whom and why TERGM analysis across regional green technology transfer network in China

Technology transfers to whom and why TERGM analysis across regional green technology transfer network in China

Spatiotemporal investigation and determinants of interprovincial innovation network from a multilayer network perspective

ABSTRACT Technology cooperation and technology transfer can be beneficial for realising the flow of innovative resources and promoting technological progress and growth, which is crucial to achieving sustainable and coordinated economic development. We investigate the structural characteristics of interprovincial innovation multilayer network, also called technology cooperation and transfer network, including the technology cooperation sub-network and technology transfer sub-network. Data are derived from Patent Information Service Platform for 2008–2018. The results are as follows: (1) the two sub-networks and multilayer network show the increasing density, and all of those networks display large cluster coefficients and short average paths. The degree between different networks is highly relevant. GDP, indegree and outdegree are linearly related. (2) As the two sub-networks in different provinces become increasingly integrated, the core provinces control the flow in the network and the edge provinces surround the core provinces, indicating a clear ‘core-edge’ structure. (3) The exponential random graph model regression results demonstrate a significant ‘path dependence’ property for technology cooperation-transfer network. GDP, R&D, distance and railway freight flow have a significant impact on network format.

Brokerage dynamics in technology transfer networks: A multi-case study

This paper examines brokerage dynamics in technology transfer networks (TTNs), i.e., hybrid networks of different actors operating in the transitional area between knowledge and business ecosystems (i.e., innovation ecotones), with research organizations as anchor tenants. This particular type of network is gaining increasing attention. However, despite evidence of the importance of brokerage dynamics for knowledge mobility anchored in science and technology research, three main questions remain open: Who acts as network broker in TTNs? What are their specific functions? What mechanisms do they adopt to support these functions? To answer these questions, we conducted an in-depth multi-case study focusing on three European centers of excellence in scientific research, namely the University of Cambridge (UK), the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland), and the Italian Institute of Technology (Italy). We find that institutional actors as well as individuals act as network brokers in TTNs, and that brokerage manifests with varying degrees of formalization related to the TTN's level of maturity. We also identify six network brokerage functions, namely conflict resolution, spreading knowledge, linking idea fragments, connecting problems to solutions, expanding the network, and strengthening the network, and five mechanisms, namely endorsement, mediation, events, antennas, and digital support systems, that support these functions.

University–Industry Technology Transfer: Empirical Findings from Chinese Industrial Firms

The knowledge and innovation generated by researchers at universities is transferred to industries through patent licensing, leading to the commercialization of academic output. In order to investigate the development of Chinese university–industry technology transfer and whether this kind of collaboration may affect a firm’s innovation output, we collected approximately 6400 license contracts made between more than 4000 Chinese firms and 300 Chinese universities for the period between 2009 and 2014. This is the first study on Chinese university–industry knowledge transfer using a bipartite social network analysis (SNA) method, which emphasizes centrality estimates. We are able to investigate empirically how patent license transfer behavior may affect each firm’s innovative output by allocating a centrality score to each firm in the university–firm technology transfer network. We elucidate the academic–industry knowledge by visualizing flow patterns for different regions with the SNA tool, Gephi. We find that innovation capabilities, R&D resources, and technology transfer performance all vary across China, and that patent licensing networks present clear small-world phenomena. We also highlight the Bipartite Graph Reinforcement Model (BGRM) and BiRank centrality in the bipartite network. Our empirical results reveal that firms with high BGRM and BiRank centrality scores, long history, and fewer employees have greater innovative output.

The proximity and dynamics of intercity technology transfers in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area: Evidence from patent transfer networks

The patent transfer provides an important indication of technology flows and knowledge diffusion across space. Drawing on patent transfer data, we modeled intercity technology transfer networks in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area, a city region special for its “one country, two systems” structure, in the periods 2007–2011 and 2012–2016. We then explored the evolutionary characteristics of the networks and further examined the impact of, and interaction between, different forms of proximities in relation to technology transfer over time. Our results show that some kinds of proximities (institutional, cognitive, and social) are able to promote technology transfers, while others (geographical and cultural) do not exert significant impacts. Of the latter category, geographical proximity can, however, indirectly affect technology transfer by acting on the proximity of other dimensions (institutional, cognitive, and social). For instance, cognitive proximity can compensate for the lack of geographical proximity and social proximity frequently accompanies geographical proximity—and both relationships are reinforced over time. In contrast, the interrelatedness of geographical and institutional proximities have transformed from a relation of substitution to complementarity.

Understanding the spatial polarization pattern of technology transfer network in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay area

AbstractTechnology transfer is a conscious knowledge transfer and diffusion, which can promote the coordinated configuration and balanced development of technological innovation elements in geographical space. From the perspective of “space of flow”, the technology transfer network is constructed. Utilizing patent technology transaction data from 2018, this study analyzes the agglomeration differentiation and spatial polarization patterns of technology transfer from network nodes, network layers, and network partition in Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The agglomeration of technology transfer is remarkable in the network, showing “two poles and two strong” as well as proximity advantages; Shenzhen and Guangzhou have become spatial poles within the network. (2) The Matthew effect is prominent and technology transfer at the spatial level is largely caused by core node interactions, while core‐edge hierarchical transmission mechanisms and geographical proximity contact characteristics are gradually developing. (3) Differences in roles between the plates are pronounced, and there is an agglomeration effect within a plate and between plates, as well as clear spillover effects.

Transnational technology transfer network in China: Spatial dynamics and its determinants

Transnational technology transfer network in China: Spatial dynamics and its determinants

High-speed rail heading for innovation: the impact of HSR on intercity technology transfer

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of China’s high-speed rail (HSR) network on regional innovation cooperation examining the impact on intercity patent rights transactions in 2016 between 81,510 city-pairs. It shows that (1) China’s intercity technology transfer network assumes a national-scale ‘diamond structure’; (2) China’s HSR network had a robust positive effect on intercity technology transfer; and (3) these impacts are direct and indirect operating through impacts on geographical proximity, industrial proximity, innovative proximity and technology complementarity. These findings broaden our understanding of the association between transport infrastructure and innovation networks in large emerging economies.

Manufacturing of complex parts based on unidirectional tapes. Technology transfer from automotive towards aeronautic industry

CTAG, together with FORTAPE1 partners, developed an optimized and more efficient system for the manufacturing of parts with complex geometries, based on the use of thermoplatic tapes reinforced with unidirectional fibres (glass and carbon fibre) for its use in the automotive and aeronautical sectors. The effors were focused on the process automation, which enables to obtain high production volumes, and on the material and energy consumption, allowing a considerable weight and cost reduction on the final component. Moreover, CTAG is partnering AEROCAR2 consortium, a project that has started in the third quarter of 2016 and that aims to create a technology transfer network between the automotive and aeronautic sector. The final purpose is to imporve the productivity through the creation of new technologies, materials and/or processes to put into value the synergies between the concerned sectors. The principal challenges to be faced in collaboration with companies and technology centres are the use of new materials and the process automation.

Feature and Tendency of Technology Transfer in Z-Park Patent Cooperation Network: From the Perspective of Global Optimal Path

Abstract Purpose This study aims to provide a new framework for analyzing the path of technology diffusion in the innovation network at the regional level and industrial level respectively, which is conducive to the integration of innovation resources, the coordinated development of innovative subjects, and the improvement of innovation abilities. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Z-Park patent cooperation data, we establish Inter-Enterprise Technology Transfer Network model and apply the concept of Pivotability to describe the key links of technology diffusion and quantify the importance of innovative partnerships. By measuring the topologically structural characteristics in the levels of branch park and the technosphere, this paper demonstrates how technology spreads and promotes overall innovation activities within the innovation network. Findings The results indicate that: (1) Patent cooperation network of the Z-Park displays heterogeneity and the connections between the innovative subjects distribute extremely uneven. (2) Haidian park owns the highest pivotability in the IETTN model, yet the related inter-enterprise patent cooperation is mainly concentrated in its internal, failing to facilitate the technology diffusion across multiple branch parks. (3) Such fields as “electronics and information” and “advanced manufacturing” are prominent in the cross-technosphere cooperation, while fields such as “new energy” and “environmental protection technology” can better promote industrial integration. Research limitations Only the part of the joint patent application is taken into account while establishing the patent cooperation network. The other factors that influence the mechanism of technology diffusion in the innovation network need to be further studied, such as financial capital, market competition, and personnel mobility, etc. Practical implications The findings of this paper will provide useful information and suggestions for the administration and policy-making of high-tech parks. Originality/value The value of this paper is to build a bridge between the massive amount of patent data and the nature of technology diffusion, and to develop a set of tools to analyze the nonlinear relations between innovative subjects.

Tracing the technology transfer of battery electric vehicles in China: A patent citation organization network analysis

Technology transfer is an active process in which advanced technologies are transferred between two different actors. In a fiercely competitive environment, the development and commercialization of new technology, such as battery electric vehicles (BEV), increasingly depend on technology transfer across organizational boundaries. To further explore technological transfer across organizations, it needs to combine the related information with patent citations. However, the existing literature usually ignores the diversity and difference of patent citations across jurisdictions. To close the gap, the paper takes the difference of patent citations into account. The paper gains an insight into the evolutionary pattern of BEV technology transfer across organizations in China by constructing multi-category citation networks. We find that the technology transfer networks are increasingly complex over time, but technology transfers between organizations are uneven. An important characteristic of technology transfer is that it follows the power-law distribution with a very long tail. More importantly, both large car manufacturers and new entrants play an important role in technology transfer, followed by top automotive suppliers, while the role of universities is limited. Our findings can help policy-makers or company managers better understand the evolutionary pattern of BEV technology transfer at the organizational level.

Technological structure network analysis to explore the hotspots of academic patents in international technology transfer

Abstract International technology transfer is a determinant of a country’s national revenue and economic growth. Technology exported through international technology transfer can be the factor that gives a country a competitive edge. Therefore, investigation of international technology transfer has become essential. With the role of universities in innovation changing, academic patents have increased significantly over the past 10 years. Thus, this study used academic patents involved in international technology transfer as a basis for analysis and attempted to identify technological hotspots through a technological structure network analysis. The results indicated that key technologies in academic patent–based international technology transfer networks were mainly concentrated on measurement, nanotechnology, medical technology, biotechnology, and electric digital data processing. An academic patent technological hotspot network model was established to serve as a reference for academic technology transfers as well as for governments in their promotion of emerging technologies.

Challenges and Opportunities for Technology Transfer Networks in the Context of Open Innovation: Russian Experience

Nowadays, the relevance of technology transfer center network has been greatly increased due to interdisciplinary modern innovations, and cross-sectoral collaboration in project implementation. This paper highlights theoretical and conceptual foundations of technology transfer, and the role of innovation and knowledge. The main purpose of the paper is to analyze the experience of creating technology transfer networks in Russia, and to develop prospective national technology transfer model based on the concept of innovation ecosystem and open innovation. Being a knowledge integrator, a university plays a vital role in technology transfer. The presented study makes contribution to the academic literature by providing a synthesis on related concepts of open innovation, network, and ecosystem approaches to technology transfer. The results of this analysis provide information on prospective models for creating a network of technology transfer in Russia. That will help academics, policymakers, government, and business owners with a more depth understanding of the practical mechanisms that support innovation strategy.

University Technology Transfer Network Structure Development: Education and Research Quality Issues

The article analyzes the main models of technology transfer in Europe, the USA, Japan and China. The national legislative base in the technology transfer sphere is analyzed. The main reasons for successful (at a systematic level) mechanisms of the technologies transfer are determined. Leading tendencies of technology transfer development in leading countries are presented. The necessity of creating technology transfer centers at universities as a place of the state intellectual potential concentration is substantiated. Authors propose ways for increasing technology transfer efficiency based on the complex approach to promote scientific research results.