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Where technology transfer research originated and where it is going: a quantitative analysis of literature published between 1980 and 2015

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  • Heeyong Noh

    (Ajou University)

  • Sungjoo Lee

    (Ajou University
    Ajou University)

Abstract

This study aims to identify both where technology transfer research originated and where it is going. A quantitative approach was adopted in this study to observe the trends from an objective perspective. To do this, longitudinal bibliographic data of journal papers describing technology transfer from 1980 to 2015 are collected. Topic modeling and co-authorship network analyses are then applied to classify topics and identify an evolution of research groups. First, the principal transfer agent is changed from governmental organizations to universities, as technology donors, while industry plays the role of technology recipients. Second, major technology fields that researchers have focused on follow socially attractive interests. Third, the scope of focus gradually moves from national level research or international transfers to organizational level research. In addition, technology transfer research seems to change from a technology transfer application to a dynamic technology transfer process. In addition, six topics are identified and further discussed to understand future research directions. The research findings are expected to help us understand research trends in technology transfer and, thus, are expected to provide valuable insights to researchers in this field and policy makers who are in charge of developing policies to support technology transfer.

Suggested Citation

  • Heeyong Noh & Sungjoo Lee, 2019. "Where technology transfer research originated and where it is going: a quantitative analysis of literature published between 1980 and 2015," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 44(3), pages 700-740, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:44:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10961-017-9634-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-017-9634-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Petra Maresova & Ruzena Stemberkova & Oluwaseun Fadeyi, 2019. "Models, Processes, and Roles of Universities in Technology Transfer Management: A Systematic Review," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-36, September.
    2. Uzi Haan & Shuli C. Shwartz & Fernando Gómez-Baquero, 2020. "A startup postdoc program as a channel for university technology transfer: the case of the Runway Startup Postdoc Program at the Jacobs Technion–Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(6), pages 1611-1633, December.
    3. Yutaka Fujioka & Norio Kambayashi, 2022. "Learning by teaching technological knowledge: conceptual skill development in Japanese overseas subsidiaries," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(9), pages 1-32, September.
    4. Lei Ye & Ting Zhang & Xianzhong Cao & Senlin Hu & Gang Zeng, 2024. "Mapping the landscape of university technology flows in China using patent assignment data," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Arenas Gaitán, Jorge & Ramírez-Correa, Patricio E., 2023. "COVID-19 and telemedicine: A netnography approach," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    6. Petri Uusitalo & Rita Lavikka, 2021. "Technology transfer in the construction industry," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(5), pages 1291-1320, October.
    7. Yindan Ye & Kevin De Moortel & Thomas Crispeels, 2020. "Network dynamics of Chinese university knowledge transfer," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(4), pages 1228-1254, August.
    8. Modic, Dolores & Suklan, Jana, 2023. "Intellectual property coordinators' cohorts: A study into the imprints in university technology transfer," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(8).
    9. Matricano, Diego, 2022. "The influence of gender on technology transfer processes managed in Italian Young Innovative Companies: A stochastic frontier analysis," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    10. Modic, Dolores & Suklan, Jana, 2022. "Multidimensional experience and performance of highly skilled administrative staff: Evidence from a technology transfer office," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).
    11. Kalantaridis, Christos & Küttim, Merle, 2023. "Multi-dimensional time and university technology commercialisation as opportunity praxis: A realist synthesis of the accumulated literature," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    12. Knut Blind & Maximilian Laer, 2022. "Paving the path: drivers of standardization participation at ISO," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 1115-1134, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology transfer; Research trends; Topic modeling; Co-authorship network; Emerging topics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N01 - Economic History - - General - - - Development of the Discipline: Historiographical; Sources and Methods
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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