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Licensing life: The evolution of Stanford university's technology transfer practice

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  • Etzkowitz, Henry
  • Zhou, Chunyan

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to deepen knowledge about Stanford University technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship. Technology transfer, including venture creation, is central to an iconic entrepreneurial university's development. Comparative case study, utilizing interviews, archival research and participant observation, conducted over the past 35 years, depict the phases of Stanford University's technology transfer practice, informal and formal. A self-organizing entrepreneurial ideology, deriving from serial entrepreneurs’ successes, impeded improvement. Recognizing underutilized potential, Stanford faculty and students undertook bottom-up initiatives, integrating research, education and entrepreneurship, creating support structures to fill entrepreneurship gaps. The Stanford-Silicon Valley (university-region) relationship exemplifies a broader entrepreneurial academic transformation, taking place at different rates, in various formats, in the US and globally. Different levels of external and internal support are required for different types of regions and academics at various levels of technology transfer interest and capabilities. A future trend is projected.

Suggested Citation

  • Etzkowitz, Henry & Zhou, Chunyan, 2021. "Licensing life: The evolution of Stanford university's technology transfer practice," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:168:y:2021:i:c:s0040162521001967
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120764
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    Cited by:

    1. Ren, Yu & Wu, Kuo-Jui & Lim, Ming K. & Tseng, Ming-Lang, 2023. "Technology transfer adoption to achieve a circular economy model under resource-based view: A high-tech firm," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    2. Kuckertz, Andreas & Scheu, Maximilian, 2024. "From chalkboard to boardroom: Unveiling the role of entrepreneurship in bolstering academic achievement among professors," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    3. Kim, Young-Choon & Kotha, Reddi & Rhee, Mooweon, 2024. "Do firms with technological capabilities rush in? Evidence from the timing of licensing of Stanford inventions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).

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