A Quantitative Investigation of the Relationship between Technology Transfer Outreach Programs and Innovation Output at U.S. Research Universitie

University administrators regard technology transfer as their "Third Mission," because they benefit from more than a billion dollars in annual revenue stream through technology transfer operations. Technology transfer (TT) is the process by which research intensive universities transfer scientific innovations from an academic institution to companies and receive financial compensations. Although innovator engagement is a critical step towards encouraging innovation output, universities have not paid much attention to outreach programs. While a large body of literature has focused on downstream value-creation of commercialization, it has neglected to investigate the upstream innovation-creation process resulting in limited insights. The purpose of this research study was to build upon work engagement theory and multi-perspective models to investigate the relationship between TT outreach programs and innovation output at U.S. research universities. The research design included a quantitative internet survey method involving 163 U.S. research universities and 223 innovators. Data from the survey were analyzed using inferential statistics and IBM SPSS quantitative software to investigate the relationship and explore innovator engagement phenomenon. By identifying preferred training programs and communication channels, recognition and reward systems, and innovation output, this study aims to inform and guide university officials on effective outreach programs preferred from the perspectives of innovators and TT professionals. The findings indicated innovation output is associated with TT outreach programs. Experienced innovators preferred one-on-one interactions with TT offices to address their specific concerns and utilized up-to-date websites with searchable database at their conveniences. Innovators also expressed time constraint to innovate. Although TTOs recognized face-to-face interaction is an effective channel, budget constraint to have enough work force to manage such interactions is a challenge. Both innovators and TTOs indicated university administrators needed to include TT activities in the promotion and tenure consideration. In conclusion, outreach programs have the potential to increase innovation output for novice innovators that include students. University administrators should consider faculty's technology transfer accomplishments as academic achievements and allow time for faculty to innovate.