Transfer of Technology from Iranian Universities to Industry: University Perspective University in regional innovation and social development University technology transfer

This is a study about transferring technology from Iranian universities to Iranian industry. The relationship between universities and industry is much weaker in Iran than it is in developed countries. Most of the Iranian universities have used the model of western universities, but this model does not seem to be able to solve the problems of Iranian industry. The connection between universities and industry in Iran is, therefore, not strong because industry cannot satisfy all of its needs through collaboration with universities. The study examines the existing technology transfer process from university to industry, the organizations involved, and the major decisions taken during technology transfer. In addition, the study uncovers the barriers for transferring the technology, examines different ways of establishing contacts, and considers the benefits gained from university-industry collaboration. To achieve these objectives, we conducted 31 interviews. The interviews revealed that companies were more proactive in establishing contacts with universities; in most situations they initiated contacts with the professors. However, the professor‟s expertise, reputation, and ability to establish friendly relations with people from industry helped make these contacts successful. Professors measured the success of these transactions by the level of satisfaction the firm expressed with the technology. University liaison officers, most of whom initially had a reactive posture toward