Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

In contemporary academia and industry, the commercialization of technology through licensing has emerged as a prevalent strategy. This paradigmatic shift has prompted numerous industrial firms to intensify their focus on technology commercialization as a mechanism to optimize the returns on their re...

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Main Authors: Ioannis Lysaridis, Panos T. Chountalas, Anastasios I. Magoutas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Administrative Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/14/1/9
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author Ioannis Lysaridis
Panos T. Chountalas
Anastasios I. Magoutas
author_facet Ioannis Lysaridis
Panos T. Chountalas
Anastasios I. Magoutas
author_sort Ioannis Lysaridis
collection DOAJ
description In contemporary academia and industry, the commercialization of technology through licensing has emerged as a prevalent strategy. This paradigmatic shift has prompted numerous industrial firms to intensify their focus on technology commercialization as a mechanism to optimize the returns on their research and development investments, while concurrently leveraging their comprehensive technology portfolios. However, despite growing interest in this area, there exists a conspicuous gap in scholarly literature exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively and efficiently capitalize on this opportunity in a global context. The objective of the present study is to fill this void by offering an in-depth analysis of the key determinants that contribute to the successful commercialization of technology via licensing. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper presents a comparative case study that explores four separate international licensing alliances, each formed between the same licensor, specializing in solar mounting system engineering, and four different licensees, all engaged in the production and marketing of this specialized technology. Data were meticulously gathered through a triangulated approach that incorporated interviews with both licensor and licensees, extensive desk research, and on-site observations. Our empirical findings reveal that the critical success factors identified in existing literature are not uniformly significant. Specifically, four elements—relational dynamics, cultural considerations, human capital, and resource allocation—emerged as pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of technology commercialization strategies. By elucidating these nuanced factors, this study contributes to both academic discourse and practical applications, thereby serving as a valuable resource for SMEs aiming to navigate the complexities of technology commercialization in international settings.
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spelling doaj.art-6fe090d9e68f4e6da6802faf6f0d693a2024-01-26T14:11:17ZengMDPI AGAdministrative Sciences2076-33872023-12-01141910.3390/admsci14010009Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized EnterprisesIoannis Lysaridis0Panos T. Chountalas1Anastasios I. Magoutas2School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, GreeceDepartment of Business Administration, University of Piraeus, 18534 Pireas, GreeceDepartment of Business Administration, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10559 Athens, GreeceIn contemporary academia and industry, the commercialization of technology through licensing has emerged as a prevalent strategy. This paradigmatic shift has prompted numerous industrial firms to intensify their focus on technology commercialization as a mechanism to optimize the returns on their research and development investments, while concurrently leveraging their comprehensive technology portfolios. However, despite growing interest in this area, there exists a conspicuous gap in scholarly literature exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively and efficiently capitalize on this opportunity in a global context. The objective of the present study is to fill this void by offering an in-depth analysis of the key determinants that contribute to the successful commercialization of technology via licensing. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper presents a comparative case study that explores four separate international licensing alliances, each formed between the same licensor, specializing in solar mounting system engineering, and four different licensees, all engaged in the production and marketing of this specialized technology. Data were meticulously gathered through a triangulated approach that incorporated interviews with both licensor and licensees, extensive desk research, and on-site observations. Our empirical findings reveal that the critical success factors identified in existing literature are not uniformly significant. Specifically, four elements—relational dynamics, cultural considerations, human capital, and resource allocation—emerged as pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of technology commercialization strategies. By elucidating these nuanced factors, this study contributes to both academic discourse and practical applications, thereby serving as a valuable resource for SMEs aiming to navigate the complexities of technology commercialization in international settings.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/14/1/9technologycommercializationlicensingopen innovationresearch and developmentcritical success factors
spellingShingle Ioannis Lysaridis
Panos T. Chountalas
Anastasios I. Magoutas
Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Administrative Sciences
technology
commercialization
licensing
open innovation
research and development
critical success factors
title Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
title_full Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
title_fullStr Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
title_full_unstemmed Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
title_short Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
title_sort critical success factors in the technology commercialization process a comparative case study of international licensing alliances among small and medium sized enterprises
topic technology
commercialization
licensing
open innovation
research and development
critical success factors
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/14/1/9
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