University entrepreneurship in South Africa : developments in technology transfer practices

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Authors

Alessandrini, Marco
Klose, Kristin
Pepper, Michael Sean

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

eContent Management Pty Ltd.

Abstract

Although formalised practices of technology transfer at research institutions are well established in many developed countries, these practices are still very much in their infancy in South Africa. The country is however currently focused on improving technology transfer activities and measuring the performance thereof, as exemplified by the recent implementation of a new intellectual property act. In support of the latter and in an effort to obtain an accurate overview of the status quo of technology transfer in South Africa, it was decided to evaluate organisational structures and key factors determining successful technology transfer at 13 publicly funded research institutions. It is recommended that technology transfer practices in South Africa be further strengthened through the expansion of dynamic collaborative networks and communities of practice. Crucial to these objectives is the development of appropriate metrics for measuring the successes and impact of technology transfer, taking into account the socio-economic and institutional specificities in South Africa.

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Keywords

Technology transfer offices, Intellectual property, Commercialisation, Higher education institutions, Science councils, South Africa, University entrepreneurship

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Alessandrini, M, Klose, K & Pepper, MS 2013, 'University entrepreneurship in South Africa : developments in technology transfer practices', Innovation : Management, Policy and Practice, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 205-214.