International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Boosting technology commercialisation: an educational case-based workshop for engineering-business collaboration  
  by Igor Laine, Anna Sidorenko, Hajer Jarrar, Virginie Hachard 
  Abstract: Interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and business professionals is vital for commercialising technological innovations, yet universities often struggle to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the realms of complex projects. This paper addresses the challenges faced in technology commercialisation education, including misalignment of goals, communication barriers, and limited hands-on experience with real-world projects. We propose a case-based workshop centred around ongoing commercialisation projects to overcome and learn how to deal with these challenges. The workshop equips students with an integrative toolkit for technology commercialisation, fosters them to collaborate effectively across disciplines, provides practical experience in navigating the commercialisation lifecycle, and, at the same time, contributes to the projects. By engaging with live technology commercialisation projects, students gain insights into market opportunities, regulatory barriers, and strategic decision-making, preparing them for future roles in academia, industry and in-between.
  Keywords: technology commercialisation; education; university-industry collaboration; innovation; interdisciplinary projects.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10074689
   
  
• Digitalisation and sustainability in businesses in the Middle East and North Africa: guided by a motive of impact  
  by Widad Ali A. Rahman, Ehud Menipaz, Emine Esra Karadeniz, Fatima Boutaleb, Chafik Bouhaddioui, Thomas Schøtt 
  Abstract: The research question is, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), how is entrepreneurs motive of making an impact shaping digitalisation and sustainability in their businesses. A large representative survey of entrepreneurs in Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates was conducted, mainly by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. The motive of making an impact is found to promote both digitalisation and sustainability, and digitalisation also promotes sustainability, but societies differ in their effects upon motive, digitalisation, and sustainability. The findings contribute to an account of the benefit of digitalisation for sustainability in businesses in MENA.
  Keywords: businesses; digitalisation; sustainability; impact motive; Middle East and North Africa; MENA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10077320
   
  
• Innovation and human capital in mixed-ownership enterprises: a stakeholder governance approach to sustainable development  
  by Zheng Cheng, Renato Pereira, Jamila Abaidi Hasnaoui, Virginie Hachard, Yuan Zhengfu 
  Abstract: This study examines the sustainable development of mixed-ownership enterprises through stakeholder governance. By integrating collaborative, green, and data governance theories, it proposes a model that assesses impacts on corporate dynamic capabilities, human capital, and innovation. Utilising qualitative methods and structured interviews with senior managers in Chinese mixed-ownership enterprises, the research, analysed using MAXQDA 2020, reveals positive correlations between governance mechanisms and corporate performance. Collaborative governance enhances dynamic capabilities and human capital, thereby promoting long-term sustainability. Green governance fosters eco-friendly innovations and strengthens human capital, while data governance improves operational efficiencies and human capital development, further reinforcing sustainability. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of stakeholder governance but is limited by its single-country focus and sample size, suggesting opportunities for broader research initiatives.
  Keywords: innovation; human capital; stakeholder governance; mixed-ownership enterprises; sustainable development; corporate dynamic capabilities.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10077916
   
  
• Risk assessment of academic entrepreneurship of universities: case study of IPB University  
  by Anita Primaswari Widhiani, Lydia Freyani Hawadi 
  Abstract: Universities face increasing pressure to generate income through innovation, yet IPB University records a commercialisation rate of only 5% despite numerous innovations. This study applies ISO 31000:2018 using interviews, focus group discussions, and perception-based surveys to identify, analyse, and evaluate academic entrepreneurship risks. Four major risk domains were identified: collaboration, entrepreneurial support, leadership and structure, and entrepreneurial learning. Leadership and structure emerged as the highest-priority risk domain, followed by entrepreneurial support. The study reframes university barriers as risk objects within a structured risk assessment framework, identifies leadership as a central organising risk, and highlights the interdependence among support, collaboration, and learning domains within a developing-country university context.
  Keywords: risk assessment; academic entrepreneurship; universities.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10079586
   
  
• The e-patronage equation: decoding what fuels patronage in virtual marketplace  
  by Mahamudul Hasan 
  Abstract: The study aims to examine the influence of trust, attitude, perceived sacrifice (PS), situational influence of COVID-19 (SIC19), habitual online shopping competence (HOSC), and electronic word of mouth (EWOM) on patronage intention (PI) toward e-commerce businesses. Moreover, the moderated impact of PS, SIC19, and EWOM has been tested on trust to PI through the attitude pathway. Additionally, multigroup analysis (MGA) based on gender, internet experience, marital status, generation, and education has been conducted on the direct paths of the study. Data have been collected from 721 online shoppers of Bangladesh through a structured online questionnaire. The study reveals that HOSC and EWOM have significant positive impact on attitude, trust, and PI toward online shopping (OS). Additionally, PS has a significant negative impact on trust. Moreover, attitude and trust have significant positive impact on PI. The moderated mediation analysis using the process macro showed that PS, EWOM, and SIC19 can significantly moderate trust attitude PI pathway. However, SIC19 has an insignificant direct influence on PI. The MGA suggests significant differences among several demographic groups regarding the direct paths of the study model.
  Keywords: patronage intention; online shopping; electronic word of mouth; trust; perceived sacrifice; attitude; situational influence of COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10079676
   
  
• Challenges and opportunities in tourism: the role of technological innovation  
  by Md. Azizur Rahman Azad, Marco Valeri, Peter El Moujabber, Nishath Anjum, Md. Saidur Rahaman 
  Abstract: Bangladesh has great tourism potential due to its unique geography and culture. This study uses a comprehensive analytical framework to identify the tourism industrys primary difficulties in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh, and explores ways to improve it, focusing on technology innovation. A narrative literature review, secondary data from multiple sources, and primary data from several stakeholders are used to collect data for the article. Sylhets competitive advantage comes from its diversified tourism portfolio, which includes natural features, cultural heritage, and religious monuments, according to PESTEL and SWOT analysis. Tourism expansion is also hindered by poor infrastructure, safety concerns, lack of professionalism, security instability, and environmental issues. The study also shows how technology innovation may overcome constraints and maximise growth by revamping the tourism ecosystem. Policymakers must use Sylhets strengths and grab opportunities to address current issues, as this study shows. It promotes sustainable tourism growth in Sylhet through technological innovation.
  Keywords: Bangladesh; opportunities; sustainable; Sylhet; technology; tourism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10079784
   
  
• Digital literacy as a mediator between financial engineering innovations and financial behaviour among Gen Z  
  by A. Saravanan, G. John 
  Abstract: This study examines digital literacy as a mediator between financial engineering innovations and the financial behaviour of Generation Z. As digital natives, Gen Z interacts with rapidly evolving financial technologies, making digital literacy essential for informed decision-making, investment strategies, and risk management. Using a quantitative approach, the study employs structured surveys and statistical analysis, including structural equation modelling (SEM), to test the relationship between financial innovation, digital literacy, and behavioural outcomes. While prior studies have explored these factors individually, this research integrates them into a single model. Data from diverse socio-economic groups reveal patterns linking technological advancement with user engagement. The findings highlight the importance of digital literacy in fostering responsible financial behaviour and provide practical recommendations for educators and financial institutions to design targeted programs for Gen Z in a technology-driven environment.
  Keywords: digital literacy; DL; financial behaviour; financial engineering; FE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10079785
   
  
• From constraints to assets: exploring cognitive strategies in resource recognition  
  by Nghia Chi Nguyen, Jamila Abaidi Hasnaoui, Virginie Hachard, Tania Kallab 
  Abstract: This study explores the cognitive processes through which individuals transform constrained and unconstrained elements into valuable resources, with a focus on entrepreneurial contexts. Drawing on resource-based theories, it addresses a gap in understanding how non-resources are subjectively identified and utilised, particularly under conditions of scarcity. Based on case studies in Vietnam and Japan, the research identifies cognitive patterns employed by resource creators, including intentional hypothesis development, exploration of alternative resource elements, and avoidance of the non-resource trap, where objects are assessed based on narrow functionality. Findings suggest that resource recognition is inherently subjective and relies on creative cognition to unlock potential value. These processes are especially relevant for entrepreneurs facing constraints, such as individuals with disabilities, who innovate by leveraging overlooked opportunities. The study highlights the importance of cognitive flexibility and creative utilisation in entrepreneurship, offering insights into resource-based innovation and technology transfer. Practical implications include fostering strategies that support resource reframing and commercialisation in constrained environments. Future research should further examine how cognitive patterns shape resource creation across diverse cultural and industry settings.
  Keywords: resource cognition; entrepreneurship; creative utilisation; non-resource; innovation under constraints.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2026.10074616