Higher education system and the ‘open’ knowledge transfer: a view from perception of senior managers at university knowledge transfer offices

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have become increasingly entrepreneurial. Such a shift is highly dependent on the managers of university knowledge transfer offices whose perceptions can be critical in this transformation. This study examines such senior managers' perceptions concerning the 'open' paradigm in relation with the management aspects of university knowledge transfer (UKT). Using the Q method based survey of senior UK practitioners the study discovered patterns of perspectives in the knowledge transfer management. Four shared perspectives of management towards 'open' (versus 'closed') UKT were found including: (A) interconnectivity oriented management; (B) performance led management; (C) internal focused management; and (D) reconciliation oriented management. Despite each perspective's distinct stance, the perspectives share a central concern that interconnectivity and flexibility are the key characteristics of the future university knowledge transfer office management, and that business model based approach to the management of UKT is critical to a successful transformation to entrepreneurial university.