Enablers and barriers to university technology transfer engagements with small- and medium-sized enterprises: perspectives of Principal Investigators

This paper seeks to bring forward the Principal Investigator (PI) observations on the enablers and barriers to successful technology transfer of university research to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), taking a micro-perspective which has not been the focus of any research attention to date. Using a qualitative approach set in an Irish research context, this exploratory study found personal relationships, asset scarcity and proximity issues as barriers and enablers to technology transfer engagements with SMEs. The exploratory study also found that PIs were frustrated with their dealings with technology transfer offices and their research relationships with SMEs were not sufficiently valued by their universities.