Technology Transfer Services and Performance of Startup Firms Sponsored by University Incubators in Kenya

Abstract

Technology transfer is the process of transferring skills, knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among governments or universities and other institutions. This ensures that scientific and technological developments are accessible to a wider range of users who can then further develop and exploit the technology into new products, processes, applications, materials or services. Business incubation assist startup firms grow with the efficient use of business resources to become sustainable and develop competitive companies. The associated outcomes are jobs creation, technology transfer, commercialize new technologies and create wealth for economies. University business incubators provide a unique opportunity for start-up firms to benefit from the talent and resources located in the university, particularly in development of products that require higher level of technology and sophistication. The research objective was to find out how technology transfer services influence performance of startup firms sponsored by university incubators in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from a random sample of university sponsored graduate incubates. A sample size of 189 was drawn from a population of 372. A self- administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions and open spaces for comments was used to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The study concluded that technology transfer services offered by university business incubators were statistically a significant factor in relation to the performance of startup firms. The study recommends that universities adopt and embrace business incubation strategy since they are major sponsors of technology transfer programs hence extend their basic mission of teaching, generating new knowledge and service to the society.

Keywords: Business Incubation, Technology transfer, Startup Firms Performance.