Evaluation of the efficiency of the technology transfer process with DEA tool in Lithuanian higher education institutions

Abstract

Technology transfer (TT) and valorisation activities at higher education institutions (HEIs) becoming more relevant to foster an entrepreneurial culture to commercialise research capital. This research analyses TT and valorisation phenomena and present the framework with DEA Frontier linear programming tool measuring the TT process performance of HEIs. The most critical aspects relating TT and valorisation have been identified: TT and valorisation office (TTVO) staff (helping in the symbiotic balance between HEIs and industry), transferrable production of R&D (research capital), technology inventor, academic recognition, competitiveness of the region, university dissemination works (technology marketing), country policy on TT, motivation tools, accessibility of cutting-edge technologies for industry, protection of IP, entrepreneurial culture, knowledge in TT process, structure, ability to change and take on strategic decisions on the allocation of resources, policy and management changing. HEIs TT process performance is measured with data envelopment analysis (DEA), constructed by the input-output principle. The model designed from seven Lithuanian HEIs, three inputs: international research projects; contract research; the number of research works; and three outputs: research staff in full-time equivalent; the number of PhD students; the number of master students. Research results confirm that DEA tool is fully applicable to evaluate the TT process performance of HEIs.