Analysis of knowledge and technology transfer between research infrastructures and industry in Turkey

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Bilim ve Teknoloji Politikası Çalışmaları Anabilim Dalı, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2019

Tezin Dili: İngilizce

Öğrenci: AYCAN YÜKSEL

Danışman: Erkan Erdil

Özet:

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) behaviors and attitudes of researchers in research infrastructures (RI) and explore the motivating and deterring factors for their commercialization actions. The study is focused on the researchers in the 4 RIs, which have been supported within the Law on Supporting Research Infrastructures in Turkey. In the study, quantitative data collected through survey among researchers is integrated with the qualitative data gathered through interviews with the RI directors. The research results indicate that researchers’ overall engagement in various KTT channels other than academic publishing is low. Commercialization activities are the least common form of KTT activities. In terms of motivating factors for commercialization, research related achievements and societal benefits are more important for researchers than personal gains or other factors. The three most significant deterrent factors for researchers’ commercialization behavior are; (i) Insufficient time because of the intensity of academic and scientific activities, (ii) Firms’ lack of interest or knowledge about R&D and (iii) Mismatch between the culture and expectations of firms and RIs. Since the legal framework of RIs is relatively new, the survey results reflects both the preliminary effects of the new system and the impact of the higher education system in general and previous settings in the RIs. In the light of the survey and interview findings, policy recommendations and measures are presented in the last section of the survey.