A systematic literature review of university technology transfer from a quadruple helix perspective: toward a research agenda

TLDR

University technology transfer has expanded rapidly, becoming embedded in complex regional networks that now include a fourth helix of societal innovation users, yet existing research remains fragmented and lacks coherent frameworks. The study aims to review Mode 2 UTT from a quadruple helix perspective to develop a research agenda. It does so by systematically reviewing literature on Mode 2 UTT within a quadruple helix framework to identify key themes.

Abstract

Within recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of the University's role in economic development. This has resulted in University Technology Transfer (UTT) taking place within an increasingly complex network of regional stakeholders. This complexity has resulted in quadruple helix models where the triple helix model of academia, industry and regional government now includes societal based innovation users as a fourth helix. Despite this development, extant research is fragmented and lacks coherent frameworks and conceptualisations which fully depict the dynamic and evolving nature of UTT. Accordingly, this article reviews Mode 2 UTT from a quadruple helix perspective to identify key themes to develop a research agenda which reflects progression from a triple into a quadruple helix ecosystem.