FORMAL INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXTS AS OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS AT UNIVERSITIES - COMPARATIVE DATA FROM SWEDEN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

摘要

This paper identifies differences in institutional contexts (legislation) between Sweden and the UK and their effects on technology transfer policies. It then proceeds to examine how such activities are organized by universities. Empirical evidence from surveys conducted with technology transfer managers at eight Swedish universities and eleven UK universities gathered in Sweden and the UK during 2004 is analyzed. It is argued that the historical developments of these systems depend on different institutional contexts, which influence the modes of organization. The UK technology transfer system is based on similar legislation to that of the US, with IPRs being granted to the universities. The Swedish system, however, grants IPRs to the individual researchers, though with some new features - such as science parks and incubators - suggesting a change towards greater agent (university) involvement in encouraging technology transfer. This change indicates a breakthrough for the "entrepreneurial university" in Sweden.