Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Ed.D. in Education

First Advisor

Macey Edmondson

Second Advisor

Phillis George

Third Advisor

Whitney Webb

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

For most institutions of higher education, the reduction in state and federal funding has caused a shift in focus to activities that are revenue generating. As Slaughter and Leslie (1997) pointed out, financial uncertainty at both the state and federal levels prompted faculty and institutions to focus on programs and research that intersect with the market. This expansion of the research mission with an emphasis on faculty entrepreneurial activities is both exciting and problematic. Through my research I will explore the barriers faced by faculty who are engaged in entrepreneurial activities related to technology commercialization.

This dissertation was completed using qualitative analysis based on a conceptual framework of resource dependence theory and institutional theory. Interviews were conducted with five faculty members in a Biosciences unit at an R1 institution.

This dissertation offers recommendations for practice based on the findings of the study which identified three emerging themes; an underdeveloped university research culture, lack of university infrastructure and going outside the university structure to engage in technology transfer. From these themes six areas of focus for consideration in promoting technology transfer surfaced. These areas of focus include funding and facilities, technology transfer staffing, policy and practice, risk tolerance/agility, transparency and communication.

Concentration/Emphasis

Higher education administration

Available for download on Friday, February 07, 2025

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