A Novel Technology Transfer Office Typology Based on Lessons Learnt From Europe and the UK. Recommendations for Developing Countries.

Many developing countries, such as South Africa, are developing technology transfer practices within their universities. Due to the longevity of their technology transfer activity, the study of technology transfer activities in advanced nations serves as a frame of reference and basis of policy recommendations. This paper uses novel primary data gathered from Continental European and UK universities to create a typology that informs which best practices developing nations could emulate to improve technology transfer in their contexts. Potentially, technology transfer offices (TTOs) can play a significant role in facilitating the successful transfer of technologies and knowledge between universities and industry. However, studies reveal many TTOs operate inefficiently, but the sharing of experiences leads to improved efficiency in this endeavour. Using a tool created by Secundo et al, (2010) which determines the efficiency of TTOs, we developed and sent and online questionnaire to 234 universities in Europe and the UK. 24 were subsequently interviewed about their range and types of practices of which 19 are used in this paper. We found a correlation between the maturity level of the TTOs, their typology and their mission statement which may usefully inform the development of TTO practices in developing countries.