Different Models for Technology Transfer Offices: A Brief Review of the Drivers, Goals and Expectations of Technology Transfer Offices

Abstract

There are many different visions as to what the role of university generated knowledge should mean for wider society. Within the context of university research activities, "Technology Transfer" is the name frequently used to describe a process which has evolved over several decades to assist the application or utilisation of this new knowledge. Over the past four decades, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) have been established under the direction of research institutions across the globe, and these TTOs are the subject of this article. It will attempt to provide some context to explain the current plethora of different TTO models which can be found. It also aims to provide some insight into the complex factors which affect the way in which the perceived successes of the TTOs are assessed.

Keywords: technology transfer offices, university, TTOs, models, utilisation of knowledge