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Enhancing technology transfer through entrepreneurial development: practices from innovation spaces

Author

Listed:
  • Sean Kruger

    (University of Pretoria)

  • Adriana Aletta Steyn

    (University of Pretoria)

Abstract

As the research on technology transfer and innovation continues to develop, there is still a need to determine which mechanisms can be used to develop entrepreneurial capabilities to enhance technology transfer. This study aims to show how mechanisms such as innovation spaces can be used to support entrepreneurs by enhancing their ability to seize opportunities of high value. This can be attributed to the development of new-generation technologies stemming from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Thus, the objective of this study is to demonstrate innovation spaces’ role within knowledge-rich research environments such as universities, and how they enhance entrepreneurial abilities to create ventures of high value. To enhance the understanding of this concept, the important role of technologies, especially those attributable to 4IR to create entrepreneurial ventures of high value were reviewed. This was done through the lens of entrepreneurs who originate from academic environments within the context of South African universities. In order to achieve this, a theoretical overview of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and 4IR was developed. This study followed a case study methodology which allowed for an analysis of bounded entities, which—in this research—involved universities in South Africa and the innovation spaces they utilise to support entrepreneurs. The results indicated various themes and common practices across entities in South Africa, which create an ecosystem that aims to enhance technology transfer within the region by leveraging innovation spaces. This means that innovation spaces offer an early access point to technological innovation, which can emanate from academic research to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures through an array of support resources and services. As such the findings show that technology transfer continues to play a pivotal role in this emerging technological paradigm, where strategies to address disruptions of 4IR require coordinated activities. It is recommended that further research be conducted based on an institutional theory approach to expand the focus of entrepreneurship, where innovation spaces are used as a launchpad in an attempt to improve their success rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean Kruger & Adriana Aletta Steyn, 2020. "Enhancing technology transfer through entrepreneurial development: practices from innovation spaces," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(6), pages 1655-1689, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:45:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s10961-019-09769-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-019-09769-2
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    2. Cannavacciuolo, Lorella & Ferraro, Giovanna & Ponsiglione, Cristina & Primario, Simonetta & Quinto, Ivana, 2023. "Technological innovation-enabling industry 4.0 paradigm: A systematic literature review," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    3. Luciano D’Amico & Danilo Boffa & Antonio Prencipe, 2022. "University Technology Transfer and the Contribution of University Spin-offs in Stimulating the Socio-economic Development of Regions," Advances in Management and Applied Economics, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 12(5), pages 1-2.
    4. 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).
    5. James A. Cunningham & Nadja Damij & Dolores Modic & Femi Olan, 2023. "MSME technology adoption, entrepreneurial mindset and value creation: a configurational approach," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 1574-1598, October.
    6. Brown, Austin R. & Wood, Matthew S. & Scheaf, David J., 2022. "Discovery sells, but who’s buying? An empirical investigation of entrepreneurs’ technology license decisions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 403-415.
    7. Fanny Kovaleski & Claudia Tania Picinin & João Luiz Kovaleski, 2022. "The Challenges of Technology Transfer in the Industry 4.0 Era Regarding Anthropotechnological Aspects: A Systematic Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emerging economies; Entrepreneurship; Fourth Industrial Revolution; Incubators; Innovation spaces; Makerspace; South Africa; Technology transfer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software
    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation

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