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

Abstract

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

Keywords

• biotechnology firms
• technology transfer
• universities
• knowledge-based view of the firm
• entrepreneurial orientation
• licenses