Title: Business models for technology transfer offices: a case study

Authors: Hester S. Tak; Anna Sabidussi

Addresses: Gunn & Twynmore, Key Crown Business Center, Schipholweg 103, 2316 XC Leiden, The Netherlands ' Tias Business School, Postbus 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands; Department of Management, Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, Postbus 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper adopts a business model perspective to the technology transfer office (TTO). Previous literature has dedicated considerable attention to the function and performance of the TTO but little research has been carried out with regard to the business model processes. This research identifies the main challenges in the traditional technology transfer (TT) model, which is used by many institutions. Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center, two separate academic institutions, are used as a case study to explain in detail how a TTO can increase its efficiency by adjusting the business model processes. The paper first looks at the way value is generated, delivered and appropriated in the traditional model. Next, it identifies the issues that currently affect the efficiency of the traditional model and subsequently offers a new model as solution to overcome these issues.

Keywords: technology transfer offices; TTOs; business models; case study; TTO performance; TTO challenges; TTO efficiency; process adjustment; value creation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2015.075834

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2015 Vol.13 No.3/4, pp.192 - 211

Received: 05 Nov 2014
Accepted: 31 Jan 2016
Published online: 07 Apr 2016 *

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