Title: The role of innovation intermediaries in the markets for technology

Authors: Pia Sophie Von Nell; Ulrich Lichtenthaler

Addresses: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Burgplatz 2, D-56179 Vallendar, Germany. ' University of Mannheim, Schloss, D-68131 Mannheim, Germany

Abstract: In the context of growing interest in innovation intermediaries, we provide a brief overview of the technology markets and innovation intermediaries. Starting from the nature of technological knowledge, the differences between product markets and technology markets are addressed. We further show that transferring technologies is more complex than transferring products. In addition, recent developments in the markets for technology are discussed. Furthermore, we elaborate on the question in what context intermediary services are used. Moreover, different types of intermediaries are examined, and the interaction of innovation intermediaries and industrial firms is discussed. Finally, a conclusion is drawn, and an outlook is given.

Keywords: innovation intermediaries; markets for ideas; technology markets; open innovation; technology licensing; technology transfer; technological knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2011.043198

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2011 Vol.7 No.2, pp.128 - 139

Published online: 19 Oct 2011 *

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