Challenges in University Technology Transfer and the Promising Role of Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract

This paper outlines the many challenges that confront efforts to commercialize university technologies via spinouts or startups, and it discusses the role of entrepreneurship education in relation to these challenges. We begin by considering the role of startups vis‐à‐vis other mechanisms in the commercialization of university research. We then outline the resource requirements for successful startups, including financial resources; facilities; specialized equipment; and people, including potential managers, team members, board members and advisors. Next, we consider the role of entrepreneurship education in addressing these resource requirements and, drawing upon an extensive literature review, we elaborate on best practices for entrepreneurship education in terms of audience, curriculum, and external engagement. Finally, we highlight a number of important distinctions between entrepreneurship education and technology transfer, and we propose a set of questions that can aid programs in assessing the relationship between these areas. Ultimately, we point to a number of ways by which entrepreneurship education can enhance technology transfer, but we caution against excessively close relationships and the cooptation of entrepreneurship education for technology transfer aims.

Keywords: Startups, University Spinouts, Technology Transfer, Research Commercialization, Entrepreneurship Education, Management Education

JEL Classification: I2, M13, O3, O31