The effects of university technology commercialization practices on licensing income - a comparative study

Abstract

This thesis focuses on comparing the effects of university technology commercialization practices on their licensing incomes. "High Output" and "High Activity" universities were selected from top U.S. research universities based on the level of resources that are invested in the technology transfer process, as opposed to the level of income generated as a result of licensing activities. We use the multiple case study method,consisting of four "High Outcome" and four "High Activity" universities. The principles of real options theory are used to compare and contrast the technology commercialization processes of the two groups, based on the premise that universities that employ a real options perspective in their technology transfer decisions, will have greater licensing incomes. Based on interviews with technology transfer directors at the universities in the sample, we conclude that the most critical factors affecting licensing income are faculty involvement in the technology marketing process and the level of evaluation of the feasibility of start-up opportunities, prior to engaging in such investments.