Title: Economic development via university-based technology transfer: strategies for non-elite universities

Authors: Ted K. Bradshaw, Tapan Munroe, Mark Westwind

Addresses: Human and Community Development Department, University of California, Davis 95616, USA. ' Munroe Consulting, 1480 Moraga Rd, Ste. I-237, Moraga, CA 94556, USA. ' Westwind Associates, 2131 Tacoma Ave, Martinez, CA 94553, USA

Abstract: Economic development from technology transfer is welldocumented at the nation|s elite universities. Non-elite universities can also stimulate local economic development through technology transfer – the key question this paper asks is how the process differs at less well-known campuses. First, we review how university technology transfer leads to economic development and consider the role that non-elite universities play in the technology transfer process. We then identify a number of critical factors for the success of technology transfer at non-elite universities, including proactive strategies, supportive conditions, effective partnerships and, most importantly, committed campus leadership. We conclude by outlining the steps that non-elite campuses can take in making the technology transfer process successful for economic development.

Keywords: economic development; technology transfer; university research; patents; start-up companies; startups; non-elite universities; critical success factors; economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2005.006361

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2005 Vol.4 No.3, pp.279 - 301

Published online: 24 Feb 2005 *

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