This research focuses on the process of technology transfer from universities, as inventors of technologies, to companies, as users of them. It examines the mechanisms of technology transfer, the methods of establishing contact, incentives and barriers to technology transfer, the criteria used for evaluating the success of technology transfer, and the role of intermediary organizations. Additionally, company size is considered as it affects barriers and incentives for technology transfer and the criteria for evaluating success. The information obtained from 15 firms and 3 intermediary organizations in Iran indicate that, in addition to the initiatives taken by professors or companies to contact each other, intermediary organizations (including consortia and internship centers) and university units (including the liaison office and research centers) facilitate these contacts. From the perspective of companies, the major incentive for companies in transferring technology from universities was improving product quality. The ignorance of faculty members in understanding practical problems and the real world situation was a major barrier in the process of transferring technology. Some barriers and incentives were also found to be specific to the size of companies. Finally, gaining competitive advantage over competitors was the most important criterion that was used by companies to measure the success of transfer. This study produced a number of recommendations that will improve the technology transfer process.

Keywords