| This qualitative case study explored the experiences and perceptions of successful project managers regarding necessary competencies in the technology transfer process for nonprofit research organizations. Technology transfer is a complicated project process that requires highly skilled personnel who understand the technology transfer practice. Activities that cause technology transfer projects to fail are lack of funding, failure to follow license and patent agreements, and poor project management practices. To meet the objectives of the study, a multiple-case study was used to describe the experiences and perceptions of project managers regarding the competencies necessary to support the process of technology transfer in four nonprofit research organizations in Missouri. The research leveraged semi-structured one-on-one interviews, biographical information, and observations. The conclusion is that the practice of technology transfer requires a broad understanding of fundamental science, intellectual property law, and business fundamentals, which are underpinned by project management practices. The experiences and perceptions shaped a competency framework and a competency model that focuses on the knowledge, performance, organizational, technology transfer, and personal competencies necessary to be a successful project manager in the technology transfer process. Although the results of the study provided a framework and model for technology manager competencies, the results are specific to small nonprofit research organizations in Missouri. Future research may focus on other similarly sized or larger nonprofit research organization within Missouri or other locations within the United States. |
