James Cunningham, Newcastle University

Jungho Kim, Newcastle University

Chiara Marzocchi, University of Padua

Natalya Radko, Newcastle University

Technology transfer from universities and industry has been central to economic development, but rapidly advancing research and technology demand continuous evolution of university transfer structures and processes. While established frameworks have driven economic impact, emerging disruptions including AI advancement, geopolitical shifts, and intellectual property challenges are testing the resilience of current systems. This special issue examines how technology transfer systems can effectively balance economic impact with social value creation.

The issue invites exploration across multiple levels: macro-level policy frameworks and government R&D investments, meso-level institutional configurations and TTO designs, and micro-level academic entrepreneur behaviours and professional competencies. It particularly addresses how universities can simultaneously pursue economic commercialisation while meeting expectations to address societal grand challenges, and how these dual objectives create tensions requiring new business models and support structures.

Appel publié par The Journal of Technology Transfer. Voir l'appel sur le site de l'éditeur. Fiche de l'appel sur kerostig.

Potential topics

• Elements of technology transfer systems and contextual factors contributing to resilience in different economic scenarios
• Role of social value and prosocial behaviours of academic entrepreneurs in shaping university technology transfer structures
• Blended value creation frictions at macro, meso and micro levels for various stakeholders in research commercialisation
• Inclusivity and participation in technology transfer systems from multiple perspectives
• Public policy mixes and instruments supporting technology transfer systems for economic and social value
• Emerging university TTO configurations addressing societal challenges and geopolitical changes
• Intellectual property leakage, open science models, and evolving legal frameworks affecting value creation
• Future capabilities and competences required by technology transfer actors across sectors
• Influence of stakeholder needs and AI-driven digitalisation on university TTO methodologies and processes
• Non-market strategies driving university TTOs economic and social value creation

Timeline

• December 31, 2026: Full paper submission deadline
• July 1, 2027: Final decisions on accepted papers should be completed