Analysis of Structures for University Technology Transfer. A Case Study in Romania

• Author: Popescu M. - Mandru L.
• Position: Transilvania University of Brasov - Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 107-114

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşo v

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 12 (61) No. 1 – 2019

https://doi.org/10.31926/but.es.2019.12.61.1.14

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES FOR

UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

A CASE STUDY IN ROMANIA

M. POPESCU1 L. MANDRU2

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships

between the academic research and the social-economic environment in

Romania, from the macroeconomic perspective of the structures for

Technology Transfer specific to universities. In the first part, the study

presents a general overview of Technology Transfer structures over the

world, and in the second part, a global analysis of the university TT

structures in Romania is performed. The findings can be useful to decision-

makers in the Research and Innovation area of the Higher Education in

Romania, to both the central coordination bodies of academic research and

to the management of the higher education institutions. The methodology of

the study consists of a general diagnosis based on scientific studies, official

reports and universities’ websites.

Keywords: academic innovation, technology transfer (TT), TT support

structures.

1. Introduction

The increasing interaction between scientists and the soc io-economic environment is

considered one of the features of modern innovation systems (Popescu, 2016). In

connection with this idea, the Triple Helix model defines the interaction between

universities, industry and public sectors as a key factor for the development of

innovation (Etzkowitz, 2002). The Triple Helix thesis defines the shift from a dominating

industry-government dyad in the Industrial Society to a growing triadic relationship

between university-industry-government in the Knowledge Society. This approach brings

a new perspective on academic research, corresponding to its expande d role.

The idea of including scientific research in the mission of higher education institutions

dates back to the early 19th century (Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff, 2000). In the last

decades, often at the initiative of national decision-makers, many universities have

taken actions to develop a "third mission": to participate in economic and social

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, mariapopescu@unitbv.ro

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, lidia.mandru@unitbv.ro