Research on the technology transfer policy diffusion among “Double First-Class” universities in China

Abstract

Technology transfer serves as a critical link between scientific advancements and economic development, facilitating the transformation of research outcomes into societal benefits. In China, universities play a pivotal role in this process by bridging the gap between research innovation and its practical application. Drawing on the innovation diffusion theory, this study examines the diffusion dynamics of technology transfer policies among China's “Double First-Class” universities as an integral part of the national initiative aimed at fostering world-class institutions in terms of academic excellence as well as innovation capabilities. Systematic analysis of the temporal, spatial, and institutional factors influencing policy adoption reveals that the diffusion of these policies follows the typical S-curve innovation diffusion path. It also highlights significant regional disparities, with a marked “neighborhood effect”, suggesting that universities in closer geographic and institutional proximity are more likely to share and adopt similar policies. Disciplinary and institutional factors also play a substantial role in shaping the diffusion process. Universities with varying subject strengths, administrative structures, and departmental responsibilities exhibit differing patterns of policy adoption and implementation. In conclusion, the diffusion of technology transfer policies among China's “Double First-Class” universities demonstrates a complex interplay of institutional, regional, and disciplinary factors. This study underscores the need for more targeted policy interventions that account for these variations while striving for a more coordinated and balanced approach to national innovation strategies. The obtained findings further suggest that future policy efforts should focus on enhancing collaboration between universities of varying disciplines and resource levels, thereby fostering a more inclusive innovation ecosystem within China's higher education.

Document Type: Original article

Cited as:

Li, L., Song, J., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Research on the technology transfer policy diffusion among “Double First-Class” universities in China. Education and Lifelong Development Research, 2(1): 39-51. https://doi.org/10.46690/elder.2025.01.05

References

Boushey, G. (2010). Policy diffusion dynamics in America. Cambridge University Press, 123-176.

Brown, L. A., & Cox, K. R. (1971). Empirical regularities in the diffusion of innovation. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 61(3), 551-559.

Chen, F., Cai, Q., Lv, H., & Qian, L. (2023). Research on the configuration and quantitative evaluation of policy tools for the technology transfer in Chongqing universities. China University Science and Technology, (08), 30-36. (in Chinese)

Chen, Z., Little, V. J., & Thuan, N. H. (2024). The evolving role of technology transfer offices in the entrepreneurial university: Go-betweens or playmakers? Journal of Technology Transfer.

Cooke, P., Gomez Uranga, M., & Etxebarria, G. (1997). Regional innovation systems: Institutional and organizational dimensions. Research Policy, 26(4-5), 475-491.

DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147-160.

D'Este, P., & Patel, P. (2007). University-industry linkages in the UK: What are the factors determining the variety of interactions with industry? Research Policy, 36(9), 1295-1313.

Dong, H., & Wu, S. (2022). Review of the policy on Technology transfer in 2021. Science and Technology China, (07), 10-15. (in Chinese)

Geuna, A., & Rossi, F. (2011). Changes to university IPR regulations in Europe and the impact on academic patenting. Research Policy, 40(8), 1068-1076.

Harmon, B., Ardishvili, A., Cardozo, R., Elder, T., Leuthold, J., Parshall, J., Raghian, M., & Smith, D. (1997). Mapping the university technology transfer process. Journal of Business Venturing, 12(6), 423-434.

Meyer, J. W., Boli, J., Thomas, G. M., & Ramirez, F. O. (1997). World society and the nation-state. American Journal of Sociology, 103(1), 144-181.

Ministry of Education. (2024, December). 2024 China University Science and Technology Achievement Fair opens. Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. 

Pinto, E. B., & Fernandes, G. (2021). Collaborative R&D: The key cooperation domain for university-industry partnerships sustainability - Position paper. Procedia Computer Science, 181, 102-109.

Powers, J. B., & Campbell, E. G. (2011). Technology commercialization effects on the conduct of research in higher education. Research in Higher Education, 52(3), 245-260.

Rogers, E. M. (2016). Diffusion of Innovations (Fifth Edition) (Tang Xingtong, Trans.). Electronic Industry Press. (Original work published 1962)

Shane, S. (2004). Academic entrepreneurship: University spin-offs and wealth creation. Teesside University.

Sun, Y. (2023). Review and overview of policies related to the Technology transfer in 2022. Intellectual Property Guide, (02), 22-27. (in Chinese)

United States. (1980). Bayh-Dole Act, 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212.

Walker, J. L. (1969). The diffusion of innovations among the American states. American Political Science Review, 63(3), 880-899.

Wang, J. (2007). Analysis on the spatial diffusion mechanism of institutional innovation in the national comprehensive reform pilot zone. Social Sciences in Nanjing, (07), 39-44. (in Chinese)

Wang, W., & Zhang, H. (2024). The evolution logic and optimization path of scientific and technological achievement transformation policy of local universities in China from the perspective of “discontinuity-equilibrium.” China University Science and Technology, (02), 30-35. (in Chinese)

Wen, H. (2020). Policy diffusion in crisis situations: An exploratory study. Journal of Sichuan University (Philosophy and Social Science Edition), (04), 28-36. (in Chinese)

Wu, C., & Hou, J. (2022). Mode and path of transformation mechanism of scientific and technological achievements in colleges anduniversities in China. Jiangsu Science and Technology Information, (18), 8-11. (in Chinese)

Xinhua News Agency. (2024, December). Xi Jinping stressed at the National Education Conference: Focus on the fundamental task of cultivating morality and educating people and making solid progress towards the strategic goal of building a strong country in education. Xinhua News Agency.

Yang, P., & Liu, Y. (2024). Diversification of higher education as policy diffusion: The rise of the non-university sector in China. Higher Education Policy, 37(1), 167-190.

Zheng, X., & Zhu, Y. (2022). Policy research on the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in Chinese universities from the perspective of policy tools. Journal of Research on Education for Ethnic Minorities, (01), 23-29. (in Chinese)

Zhong, W., Chen, H., & Yao, Y. (2021). Do increased financial incentives for researchers promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements? Evidence from Chinese universities. Science and Technology Progress and Policy, (07), 125-133. (in Chinese)

Zhou, W., & He, S. (2019). Institutional analysis of the diffusion of the “application-assessment” system for doctoral enrollmentamong China’s “Double First-Class” universities. China Higher Education Research, (1), 72-78+85. (in Chinese)

Zhu, X., & Chen, L. (2023). Evaluation of the implementation effect of the newly revised Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting the transformation of scientific and technological achievements: Evidence from Chinese universities. Science and Technology Management Research, (22), 75-82. (in Chinese)