Title: University professors and early stage research commercialisation: an empirical test of the knowledge corridor theory

Authors: Jonas Gabrielsson; Diamanto Politis; Joakim Tell

Addresses: CIRCLE, Lund University, P.O. Box 117, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden; CIEL, Halmstad University, P.O. Box 823, SE-301 18, Halmstad, Sweden ' CIRCLE, Lund University, P.O. Box 117, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden ' CIEL, Halmstad University, P.O. Box 823, SE-301 18, Halmstad, Sweden

Abstract: In this study, we test the knowledge corridor theory as an explanation of university professors' involvement in the early stages of research commercialisation. A statistical analysis was made of a sample of full professors from the engineering, natural sciences and medical faculties at a large public university in Sweden. The analysis shows that not only entrepreneurial experience but also private sector work experience significantly influence the ability to identify and develop business ideas based on research. Moreover, the analysis shows that research-based business idea generation increases faster for professors with private sector work experience who as well have more time for research in their positions.

Keywords: academic entrepreneurship; business ideas; knowledge corridor theory; university professors; research commercialisation; early stage commercialisation; technology transfer; university-industry cooperation; industrial collaboration; work experience; entrepreneurial experience; private sector experience; idea generation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2012.052421

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2012 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.213 - 233

Received: 31 Jan 2012
Accepted: 22 Oct 2012
Published online: 21 Nov 2014 *

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