Abstract
This paper uses an interpretive analysis to exam past and present developments in knowledge commercialization and provide researchers, policy makers, and university leaders an alternative framework. The model is based on historical precedent, and current economic realities, for effectively commercializing knowledge in the entrepreneurial age. While traditional technology transfer focused on an organizational centric approach, we propose an individual centric model of technology commercialization from universities. The move from an organization centric model to an individual centric model will likely follow past eras of change and innovation in higher education. The challenge for regional and university leadership is clear. Find methods and models for unleashing the knowledge across campus to solve local and regional challenges.
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Notes
The nine colleges on the eve of the American Revolution were: Harvard (1636), William and Mary (1693), Yale (1701), Pennsylvania (1740), Princeton (1746), Columbia (1754), Brown (1764), Rutgers 1766), and Dartmouth (1769). See Rudolph (1990) for an extensive discussion of the founding and founders beyond each of these colleges. Universities, colleges, professional schools, and even departments have all become part of various ‘rankings games’ that try to ranks the best globally. Examples include US News and World Report, FT Business School, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and QS Global Rankings.
The California Master Plan for Higher Education sets distinct roles for various campuses—including research, college, and community college http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/~ucalhist/archives_exhibits/masterplan/.
Other research focused universities funded by wealthy industrialists include Vanderbilt University, Tufts University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Bush’s report can be retrieved from the National Science Foundation’s website. http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/nsf50/vbush1945.htm.
For more information on the Thiel Fellowships and the recipients visit the Thiel Foundation Website. http://www.thielfoundation.org/.
More information on University of Texas’ 1 Semester Startup can be found at http://www.1semesterstartup.com/ More information on Harvard Business School’s Minimum Viable Product Fun can be found at http://www.hbs.edu/entrepreneurship/resources/services.html.
Groupon Inc.’s S1 Filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission can be accessed via http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1490281/000104746911005613/a2203913zs-1.htm accessed June 24, 2011.
See New Venture Challenge Official Rules and Regulations: http://research.chicagobooth.edu/nvc/resources.aspx.
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Miller, D.J., Acs, Z.J. Technology commercialization on campus: twentieth century frameworks and twenty-first century blind spots. Ann Reg Sci 50, 407–423 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-012-0511-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-012-0511-7