The development of University Technology Transfer stakeholder relationships at a regional level: Lessons for the future

摘要: Abstract The increasing importance placed upon regional development and the knowledge-based economy as economic growth stimuli has led to a changing role for Universities their interaction with business community through (though not limited to) transfer of technology from academia industry. With emergence Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) replacing Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), there is need policy practice going forward be clearly informed by critique TTO (Technology Transfer Office)–RDA stakeholder relationship in lessons learned approach so that LEPs can benefit faster learning curve. Thus, aim this paper examine between three universities context its RDA view determining emerging LEP approach. Although issues raised are contextual, abstracted conceptualisation TTO–RDA should enable wider generalisation beyond UK. Stakeholder theory stage models used guide repeat interview study groupings. findings, interpreted using combined category based models, show how longitudinal each case progressed different pathways, stages where specific targeting funding was dependant on stage. Greater targeted funding, approach, joint mechanisms closer alignment performance measures RDA. However, over-reliance unitary nature may lead lack cultivation dependency other stakeholders.