Abstract
The underlying challenges of knowledge management and technology transfer and their respective contributions to the development of society are well-known and widely discussed issues in business management. This paper aims to (1) build on the state-of-the art literature on knowledge management and technology transfer, (2) to identify the most relevant, recent studies, and main researchers working on the field worldwide, and (3) to unveil topics of recent development in the field, as well as overlap the themes. To this end, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases were screened for studies that explored the relevance of knowledge management and technology transfer. This research focused on the most recent studies comprising the periods of 2013–2018, while employing Metodi Ordinatio as a quality ranking method, producing thus 50 studies submitted for further analysis and appraisal. The study sought to analyze the co-occurrence of keywords on the theme, the number of citations, number of publications per country, year and journal, and the overlap between areas. This paper also enabled an analysis of the steps required for knowledge management and their relationship to technology transfer. The results showed that most studies focused on the private sector and on technology transfer for attaining innovation, customer orientation and acquiring technological abilities. The university–industry relationship was also observed, in which the focus is on universities creating and transferring knowledge in order to foment the economic and technological power of industries. The findings can assist public and private companies, non-governmental organizations, university and industry applications in terms of knowledge management and technology transfer.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Source: Own Authorship (2020)
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alexander, A. T., & Martin, D. P. (2013). Intermediaries for open innovation: A competence-based comparison of knowledge transfer offices practices. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 80(1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2012.07.013.
Andersson, U., Buckley, P. J., & Dellestrand, H. (2015). In the right place at the right time: The influence of knowledge governance tools on knowledge transfer and utilization in MNEs. Global Strategy Journal, 5(1), 27–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1088.
Autant-Bernard, C., Fadairo, M., & Massard, N. (2013). Knowledge diffusion and innovation policies within the European regions: Challenges based on recent empirical evidence. Research Policy, 42(1), 196–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2012.07.009.
Baraki, Y. A., & Brent, A. C. (2013). Technology transfer of hand pumps in rural communities of Swaziland: Towards sustainable project life cycle management. Technology in Society, 35(4), 258–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2013.10.001.
Barros, M. V., Salvador, R., Piekarski, C. M., de Francisco, A. C., & Freire, F. M. C. S. (2019). Life cycle assessment of electricity generation: A review of the characteristics of existing literature. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 25(1), 36–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-019-01652-4.
Battaglia, D., Landoni, P., & Rizzitelli, F. (2017). Organizational structures for external growth of University Technology Transfer Offices: An explorative analysis. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 123, 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2017.06.017.
Blohmke, J. (2014). Technology complexity, technology transfer mechanisms and sustainable development. Energy for Sustainable Development, 23, 237–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2014.09.003.
Bolukbas, U., & Guneri, A. F. (2017). Knowledge-based decision making for the technology competency analysis of manufacturing enterprises. Applied Soft Computing, 67, 781–799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2017.11.023.
Bonfim, L. R. C., Segatto, A. P., & Gonçalves, S. A. (2018). A conical-helix model of technology transfer and public-private partnerships for technological development in Brazilian public health. Technology in Society, 53, 110–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2018.01.006.
Bozeman, B., Fay, D., & Slade, C. P. (2013). Research collaboration in universities and academic entrepreneurship: the-state-of-the-art. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 38(1), 1–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-012-9281-8.
Bozeman, B., Rimes, H., & Youtie, J. (2015). The evolving state-of-the-art in technology transfer research: Revisiting the contingent effectiveness model. Research Policy, 44(1), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2014.06.008.
Brahami, M., Atmani, B., & Matta, N. (2013). Dynamic knowledge mapping guided by data mining: Application on healthcare. Journal of Information Processing Systems, 9(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.3745/JIPS.2013.9.1.001.
Brescia, F., Colombo, G., & Landoni, P. (2016). Organizational structures of Knowledge Transfer Offices: An analysis of the world’s top-ranked universities. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 41(1), 132–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-014-9384-5.
Cai, S., Goh, M., Souza, R., & Li, G. (2013). Knowledge sharing in collaborative supply chains: Twin effects of trust and power. International Journal of Production Research, 51(7), 2060–2076. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2012.701780.
Calcagnini, G., & Favaretto, I. (2016). Models of university technology transfer: Analyses and policies. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 41(4), 655–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9427-6.
Cavalheiro, G. M. C., & Joia, L. A. (2014). Towards a heuristic frame for transferring e-government technology. Government Information Quarterly., 31(1), 195–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2013.09.005.
Chau, V. S., Gilman, M., & Serbanica, C. (2017). Aligning university–industry interactions: The role of boundary spanning in intellectual capital transfer. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 123, 199–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.03.013.
Cheng, J. H., & Fu, Y. C. (2013). Inter-organizational relationships and knowledge sharing through the relationship and institutional orientations in supply chains. International Journal of Information Management, 33(3), 473–484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2013.01.002.
Choi, S., & McNamara, G. (2018). Repeating a familiar pattern in a new way: The effect of exploitation and exploration on knowledge leverage behaviors in technology acquisitions. Strategic Management Journal, 39(2), 356–378. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.2677.
Croce, A., Grilli, L., & Murtinu, S. (2014). Venture capital enters academia: An analysis of university-managed funds. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 39(5), 688–715. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-013-9317-8.
Cunha, L., Ceryno, P., & Leiras, A. (2019). Social Supply Chain Risk Management: A taxonomy, a framework and a research agenda. Journal of Cleaner Production, 220, 1101–1110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.183.
Cunningham, J. A., Menter, M., & Young, C. (2017). A review of qualitative case methods trends and themes used in technology transfer research. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 42(4), 923–956. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9491-6.
Cunningham, J. A., & O’Reilly, P. (2018). Macro, meso and micro perspectives of technology transfer. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 43(3), 545–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-018-9658-4.
Dahlborg, C., Lewensohn, D., Danell, R., & Sundberg, C. J. (2017). To invent and let others innovate: a framework of academic patent transfer modes. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 42(3), 538–563. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9490-7.
De Campos, E. A. R., Pagani, R. N., Resende, L. M., & Pontes, J. (2018). Construction and qualitative assessment of a bibliographic portfolio using the methodology Methodi Ordinatio. Scientometrics, 116(2), 815–842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-018-2798-3.
Del Giudice, M., Carayannis, E. G., & Maggioni, V. (2017). Global knowledge intensive enterprises and international technology transfer: Emerging perspectives from a quadruple helix environment. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 42(2), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9496-1.
Del Giudice, M., & Maggioni, V. (2014). Managerial practices and operative directions of knowledge management within inter-firm networks: A global view. Journal of Knowledge Management, 18(5), 841–846. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-06-2014-0264.
Draghici, A., Baban, C. F., Gogan, M. L., & Ivascu, L. V. (2015). A knowledge management approach for the university–industry collaboration in open innovation. Procedia Economics and Finance, 23, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)00377-9.
Dubickis, M., & Gaile-Sarkane, E. (2017). Tacit vs explicit knowledge dichotomy: State-of-the-art review for technology transfer purposes. In M. Bilgin, H. Danis, E. Demir, & U. Can (Eds.), Financial Environment and Business Development. Eurasian Studies in Business and Economics (Vol. 4). Cham: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39919-5_31.
Duffield, S., & Whitty, S. J. (2015). Developing a systemic lessons learned knowledge model for organisational learning through projects. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 311–324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.07.004.
Duffield, S. M., & Whitty, S. J. (2016). Application of the systemic lessons learned knowledge model for organisational learning through projects. International Journal of Project Management, 34(7), 1280–1293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.07.001.
El Fadel, M., Rachid, G., El-Samra, R., Boutros, G. B., & Hashisho, J. (2013). Knowledge management mapping and gap analysis in renewable energy: Towards a sustainable framework in developing countries. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 20, 576–584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.11.071.
Feijoo, H. M. P., Ordaz, M. G., & López, F. J. M. (2015). Barriers for the implementation of knowledge management in employee portals. Procedia Computer Science, 64, 506–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.08.551.
Fernández-Esquinas, M., Pinto, H., Yruela, M. P., & Pereira, T. S. (2016). Tracing the flows of knowledge transfer: Latent dimensions and determinants of university–industry interactions in peripheral innovation systems. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 113, 266–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.07.013.
Franco, M., & Haase, H. (2015). University–industry cooperation: Researchers’ motivations and interaction channels. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 36, 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2015.05.002.
Frishammar, J., Ericsson, K., & Patel, P. C. (2015). The dark side of knowledge transfer: Exploring knowledge leakage in joint R&D projects. Technovation, 41, 75–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2015.01.001.
Gerbin, A., & Drnovsek, M. (2016). Determinants and public policy implications of academic-industry knowledge transfer in life sciences: A review and a conceptual framework. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 41(5), 979–1076. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9457-0.
Golembiewski, B., Sick, N., & Bröring, S. (2015). The emerging research landscape on bioeconomy: What has been done so far and what is essential from a technology and innovation management perspective? Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 29, 308–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2015.03.006.
Hamdoun, M., Jabbour, C. J. C., & Othman, H. B. (2018). Knowledge transfer and organizational innovation: Impacts of quality and environmental management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 193, 759–770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.05.031.
Jin-Feng, W., Ming-Yan, C., Li-Jie, F., & Jun-Ju, Y. (2017). The construction of enterprise tacit knowledge sharing stimulation system oriented to employee individual. Procedia Engineering, 174, 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.139.
Kochenkova, A., Grimaldi, R., & Munari, F. (2016). Public policy measures in support of knowledge transfer activities: A review of academic literature. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 41(3), 407–429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9416-9.
Landry, R., Amara, N., Cloutier, J. S., & Halilem, N. (2013). Technology transfer organizations: Services and business models. Technovation, 33(12), 431–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2013.09.008.
Leite, F. C. L., & Costa, S. M. S. (2007). Gestão do conhecimento científico: proposta de um modelo conceitual com base em processos de comunicação científica. Ciência da Informação, 36(1), 92–107. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-19652007000100007.
Malm, A. M., Fredriksson, A., & Johansen, K. (2016). Bridging capability gaps in technology transfers within related offsets. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 27(5), 640–661. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-11-2015-0101.
Mascarenhas, C., Ferreira, J. J., & Marques, C. (2018). University–industry cooperation: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Science and Public Policy, 45(5), 708–718. https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scy003.
Muscio, A. (2010). What drives the university use of technology transfer offices? Evidence from Italy. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 35(2), 181–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-009-9121-7.
Neves, M., & Franco, M. (2018). Academic spin-off creation: Barriers and how to overcome them. R&D Management, 48(5), 505–518. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12231.
Nguyen, N. T. D., & Aoyama, A. (2014). Achieving efficient technology transfer through a specific corporate culture facilitated by management practices. The Journal of High Technology Management Research, 25(2), 108–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hitech.2014.07.001.
Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1997). The knowledge-creating company: how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. New York: Oxford University Press.
Osabutey, E. L. C., Williams, K., & Debrah, Y. A. (2014). The potential for technology and knowledge transfers between foreign and local firms: A study of the construction industry in Ghana. Journal of World Business, 49(4), 560–571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2013.12.009.
Pagani, R. N., Kovaleski, J. L., & Resende, L. M. (2015). Methodi Ordinatio: a proposed methodology to select and rank relevant scientific papers encompassing the impact factor, number of citation, and year of publication. Scientometrics, 105(3), 2109–2135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-015-1744-x.
Pagani, R. N., Ramond, B., Da Silva, V. L., Zammar, G., & Kovaleski, J. L. (2019). Key factors in university-to-university knowledge and technology transfer on international student mobility. Knowledge Management Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2019.1678415.
Perkmann, M., & Walsh, K. (2007). University–industry relationships and open innovation: Towards a research agenda. International Journal of Management Reviews, 9(4), 259–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2370.2007.00225.x.
Perri, A., & Andersson, U. (2014). Knowledge outflows from foreign subsidiaries and the tension between knowledge creation and knowledge protection: Evidence from the semiconductor industry. International Business Review, 23(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2013.08.007.
Philpott, K., Dooley, L., O’reilly, C., & Lupton, G. (2011). The entrepreneurial university: Examining the underlying academic tensions. Technovation, 31(4), 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2010.12.003.
Resende, D. N., Gibson, D., & Jarret, J. (2013). BTP Best transfer practices. A tool for qualitative analysis of tech-transfer offices: A cross cultural analysis. Technovation, 33(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2012.09.001.
Salvador, R., Barros, M. V., Rosário, J. G. D. P. D., Piekarski, C. M., da Luz, L. M., & de Francisco, A. C. (2018). Life cycle assessment of electricity from biogas: A systematic literature review. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 38(4), 13133. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13133.
Santoro, G., Vrontis, D., Thrassou, A., & Dezi, L. (2018). The Internet of Things: Building a knowledge management system for open innovation and knowledge management capacity. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 136, 347–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2017.02.034.
Silva, S. A. G., Duarte, R. G., & Castro, J. M. (2017). Transfer of knowledge in international cooperation: The Farmanguinhos–SMM case. Revista de Saúde Publica, 51, 103. https://doi.org/10.11606/S1518-8787.2017051006249.
Speck, O., Speck, D., Horn, R., Gantner, J., & Sedlbauer, K. P. (2017). Biomimetic bio-inspired biomorph sustainable? An attempt to classify and clarify biology-derived technical developments. Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, 12(1), 011004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/12/1/011004.
Torugsa, N., & O’donohue, W. (2016). Progress in innovation and knowledge management research: From incremental to transformative innovation. Journal of Business Research, 69(5), 1610–1614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.10.026.
Van Der Heiden, P., Pohl, C., Mansor, S., & Genderen, J. V. (2016). Necessitated absorptive capacity and metaroutines in international technology transfer: A new model. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 41, 65–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2016.07.001.
Vicente-Oliva, S., Martínez-Sánchez, Á., & Berges-Muro, L. (2015). Research and development project management best practices and absorptive capacity: Empirical evidence from Spanish firms. International Journal of Project Management, 33(8), 1704–1716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.09.001.
Wu, J., Guo, B., & Shi, Y. (2013). Customer knowledge management and IT-enabled business model innovation: A conceptual framework and a case study from China. European Management Journal, 31(4), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2013.02.001.
Zhang, F., & Gallagher, K. S. (2016). Innovation and technology transfer through global value chains: Evidence from China’s PV industry. Energy Policy, 94, 191–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2016.04.014.
Zhao, J., Qi, Z., & De Pablos, P. O. (2014). Enhancing enterprise training performance: Perspectives from knowledge transfer and integration. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 567–573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.06.041.
Acknowledgements
The authors thanks to the anonymous reviewers and the Editor of the Journal of Technology Transfer, which helped to substantially improve the article with strong comments. This work was supported by the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and Fundação Araucária.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Barros, M.V., Ferreira, M.B., do Prado, G.F. et al. The interaction between knowledge management and technology transfer: a current literature review between 2013 and 2018. J Technol Transf 45, 1585–1606 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-020-09782-w
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-020-09782-w