HBCU technology transfer history
University technology transfer toolkit to help emerging research institutions such as HBCUs
A technology transfer toolkit for Historically black college and universities HBCUs was proposed in my PhD dissertation. Unfortunately, under-resourced HBCU administrators complain and experience a decline in financial support from government sources (Jones, 2013). This is a serious, pressing problem that needs closer attention. In fact, some experts have argued that HBCUs are no longer relevant and should close their doors (John M. Lee Jr., 2013). Founders established HBCUs to address unequal access to education (Lorenzo L. Esters, 2013; Nia Imani Cantey, 2013). Per the Carnegie classifications of universities, few of the HBCUs are research oriented (The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, 2016). Thus, few HBCUs are engaged in technology licensing for revenue generation. They have not adapted to the need for change toward being more financially self-reliant (M. G. Williams, 2010).
Research method
I conducted a mixed method study of the development of an university technology transfer toolkit that HBCUs can use to become more self-reliant financially. Historically under-served HBCUs lag behind their peer non-HBCUs. Largely, they originated as teaching and blue-collar trade schools. Increased involvement in these research-oriented activities will likely enable HBCUs to grow into new or stronger research institutions. A comprehensive literature review of university technology transfer reveals non-HBCUs’ technology transfer problem areas. Addressing these issues will assist HBCUs as well.
Proposed toolkit
Notably, the problem areas for non-HBCUs would be challenging for HBCUs as well. Thus, the non-HBCUs tech transfer challenges are likely to be part of the reason that HBCUs are not taking advantage of tech commercialization. The proposed tool kit includes tools that will likely alleviate the problem areas. This would increase HBCU involvement in university technology transfer, industry partnerships, and tech-led business ventures. Faculty engagement in tech transfer requires Informal communication networks (D. Wright, 2013).
Further, dvanced planning information technology tools aid in advancing informal knowledge sharing networks which increase faculty engagement in tech transfer. They can improve decision making and perceived university tech commercialization service competencies and performance. Thus, with respect to advancing the participation of HBCUs in university tech commercialization, the research problems presented include:
- Given that the problems that non-HBCUs face with university technology transfer will likely equally or more challenging for HBCUs, what are the problem areas with non-HBCUs’ university technology transfer?
- What theoretical framework for research aids in the development of advanced planning system tools to help HBCUs with technology transfer?
- What advanced planning system tools can diminish the university technology transfer problems?
University technology transfer is a supply chain network
In conclusion, I proposed that university technology transfer should be approached from the novel view that it is a supply chain network! Further, the social comparison theory, resource based view and paradigms shifting in combination form the theoretical framework for testing this proposition.