The Improvement of Technology Transfer: An Analysis of Practices between Graz University of Technology and Styrian Companies

Foreword The positive impact of technology transfer on universities and companies in my opinion is undisputed. Driving factors for technology transfer are the complementary nature of research, the increasing specialization and the available vast resources outside companies’ settings. In that sense I welcome the work done by Franz Hofer which provides recommen- tions to further facilitate technology transfer. He has done a remarkable work in examining technology transfer between Graz University of Technology and Styrian companies. As the author shows, the results presented in this book are not only valid for the specific setting in Styria, one of nine states of Austria, but also for other regions dealing with this specific topic. He based his results on detailed empirical examinations which allowed the introduction of target groups of university researchers and companies defined by a set of characteristics. Thus the work enables parties involved in technology transfer to act according to the specific needs of the participants. Formerly, this knowledge was available at best implicitly, i.e. experienced university researchers or managers used to deal with each other thus knowing well the others’ expectations. Inexperienced fellows had to build up this knowledge gradually. Due to his research Franz Hofer set a landmark for university researchers and managers, representatives of governmental agencies as well as for companies dealing with technology transfer.