TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MODELS BASED ON ACADEMIC SPIN-OFFS WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR

Abstract

Industrial biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for the environment friendly production and processing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, materials, and bioenergy. The commercial development is mainly driven by multinational enterprises (MNEs), whereas small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute primarily to the technological development. The challenge is that generally a technology transfer gap exists between basic research and development (R&D) at universities or research institutions and the commercialisation of the results by established companies. Based on the analysis of 17 case studies from the industrial biotechnology sector, this paper investigates the technology transfer role of spin-offs from universities and research institutions to close the technology transfer gap. Different technology transfer models have been used between established companies and spin-offs after further developing the technology following the spin-off process. Whereas MNEs are very active in making new technologies available both by acquiring spin-offs or engaging them as service providers, SMEs, due to limited financial resources, are more focused on research cooperations with spin-offs, especially by engaging them as service providers.