University Technology Transfer : The Globalization of Academic Innovation

Universities have become essential players in the generation of knowledge and innovation. Through the commercialization of technology, they have developed the ability to influence regional economic growth. By examining different commercialization models this book analyses technology transfer at universities as part of a national and regional system. It provides insight as to why certain models work better than others, and reaffirms that technology transfer programs must be linked to their regional and commercial environments.

Using a global perspective on technology commercialization, this book divides the discussion between developed and developing counties according to the level of university commercialization capability. Critical cases as well as country reports examine the policies and culture of university involvement in economic development, relationships between university and industry, and the commercialization of technology first developed at universities. In addition, each chapter provides examples from specific universities in each country from a regional, national, and international comparative perspective.

This book includes articles by leading practitioners as well as researchers and will be highly relevant to all those with an interest in innovation studies, organizational studies, regional economics, higher education, public policy and business entrepreneurship.

Shiri M. Breznitz is Assistant Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, Canada.

Henry Etzkowitz is Senior Researcher at the Human Sciences and Technologies Advanced Research Institute, Stanford University, USA , and Visiting Professor at School of Management, Birkbeck College, London University and Edinburgh University Business School, UK.