Selecting University Technology Transfer Modes: An Examination of Biotechnology Firms' Entrepreneurial Orientation

Universities use technology transfer to disseminate groundbreaking knowledge to biotechnology firms. Each transfer mode-licensing, sponsored contract research, and consulting arrangements -offers biotechnology firms an opportunity to acquire a unique bundle of knowledge and resources. This study proposes that an entrepreneurial orientation (EO) may influence a firm's selection of a specific technology transfer mode. An EO reflects a firm's willingness to innovate, take risks, and become a first mover. This strategic orientation may guide managers to select a transfer mode that not only fits a firm's needs but also enables it to gain an advantage. This study uses multinomial logistic regression to examine how a DBF's innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking influence a DBF's transfer mode selection.