The evolving state-of-the-art in technology transfer research: Revisiting the contingent effectiveness model

• Published in: Research policy 2015-02, Vol.44 (1), p.34-49
• Main Authors: Bozeman, Barry, Rimes, Heather, Youtie, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Effectiveness studies; Empirical research; Measurement; Public policy; Research policy; Social policy; Technology; Technology transfer; Theory; U.S.A
• ISSN: 0048-7333; 1873-7625
• DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2014.06.008

•We review and synthesize recent literature on technology transfer effectiveness.•We revisit the contingent effectiveness model of technology transfer and add public value as an effectiveness criterion.•Although out-the-door and market impact measures are still more prevalent, some recent studies assess public values.•Public values can serve as a counterbalance to the emphasis on economic development outcomes.•Application of public values in program evaluation includes linking a policy or program to a public value outcome. The purpose of our study is to review and synthesize the rapidly evolving literature on technology transfer effectiveness. Our paper provides a lens into relatively recent work, focusing particularly on empirical studies of US technology transfer conducted within the last 15 years. In doing so, we update and extend the Contingent Effectiveness Model of Technology Transfer developed by Bozeman (2000). Specifically, we include the growing interest in social and public value oriented technology transfer and, thus, the contingent effectiveness model is expanded to consider this literature. We categorize studies according their approaches to measuring effectiveness, draw conclusions regarding the current state of technology transfer evaluation, and offer recommendations for future studies.