Incubator policy to support entrepreneurial development, technology transfer and commercialization
| Pages | 334-351 |
| Date | 07 October 2014 |
| Published date | 07 October 2014 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-03-2014-0008 |
| Author | Jarunee Wonglimpiyarat |
| Subject Matter | Strategy,Business ethics,Sustainability |
Incubator policy to support
entrepreneurial development,
technology transfer and
commercialization
Jarunee Wonglimpiyarat
College of Innovation, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the incubator policy to suppo rt entrepreneurial
development. In particular, the study reviews the incubation programs and strategies of technology
transfer and commercialization as well as the innovation policies to support innovation
commercialization in Thailand, based on the Triple Helix model.
Design/methodology/approach – This study employs the use of case study methodology to
understand in-depth the operations of major university business incubators (UBIs) and tec hnology
business incubators in enhancing the process of technology commercialization. The study examines
case studies of leading UBIs (Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut’s
University of Technology Thonburi) and science and technology incubators of the National Science
and Technology Agency (NSTDA) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). The operations
and incubating policies are analyzed through the lens of Triple Helix model. The interviews were
carried out using the semi-structured questionnaire to understand the views of trilateral parties
(the government, university and industry) related to the concept of Triple Helix model. The interviews
were carried out with major stakeholders including policy makers, policy analysts, government
officials, managers running incubators, incubates, university professors, research managers.
Interview data were supported by an examination of secondary data so as to provide a cross check
on internal validity.
Findings – The results have shown that the incubation program is one of the major policy
mechanisms to support innovation and suggested that UBIs should act as an intermediary betwe en
the spheres of university and industry to provide interactive linkages and promote effective utilization
of university research. The empirical study provides insightful implications on the move toward the
entrepreneurial university and the dynamics of the Triple Helix system in stimulating innovation
development and diffusion.
Originality/value – By focussing on the major UBIs and technology business incubators in one of
the Asian Tigers – Thailand, the study offers the model of university technology commercialization
which could be applied to other developing economies. The study provides useful lessons and insights
on the process of technology transfer and commercialization through the university incubation
mechanism (university technology commercialization).
Keywords Technology transfer, Triple Helix, Business incubator, Entrepreneurial development,
Technology commercialization
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
Strategically, Thailand is one of the emerging tigers in Asia attempting to become
a knowledge-based economy through deepening national technolo gical capabilities.
The economic growth of Thailand is one of the wo rld’s fastest growing with an average
growth rate of 5 percent per year. The Thai government has introduced the university
incubation program as a means to promote job creation, entrepreneurial development,
innovation and economic growth. Thailand attempts to use business and technolo gy
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5961.htm
Received 13 March 2014
Revised 4 May 2014
Accepted 6 May 2014
World Journal of Entrepreneurship,
Management and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 10 No. 4, 2014
pp. 334-351
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
2042-5961
DOI 10.1108/W JEMSD-03-2014-00 08
334
WJEMSD
10,4
incubators in transition from lower middle-income economy toward upper middle-income
economy after its recovery from the Asian financial crisis. This p aper discusses
the capacity for innovation with a focus on technological infrastructure of incubators
to support innovative activities in Thailand. The study focusses on the process of
technology transfer and entrepreneurial development through university business
incubator (UBI).
The overview of economic and innovation performance of Thailand is shown in
Table I. In 2012, Thailand was ranked 30th (out of 59 countries) according to the
International Institute for Management Development world competitiveness ranking
and 38th (out of 144 countries) according to the World Economic Forum Global
Competitiveness Report.
The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 reviews the theoretical framework on
technology incubator and the Triple Helix model. Section 3 provides the background of
research universities and policies to su pport university technology commercialization.
Section 4 discusses the research methodology. Section 5 presents the findings with
regard to the role of the government policies and business incubation program in
Indicator Year Thailand
Population (million) 2012 69.5
GDP 2012 USD366 billion
GDP growth (%) 2011 0.1
2012 6.4
IMD world competitiveness ranking 2010 26
2011 27
2012 30
IMD world competitiveness ranking 2012 30
Ranking in economic performance 2012 15
Ranking in government efficiency 2012 26
Ranking in business efficiency 2012 23
Ranking in infrastructure 2012 49
Ranking in scientific infrastructure 2012 40
Ranking in technological infrastructure 2012 50
WEF competitiveness ranking 2010 38
2011 39
2012 38
WEF competitiveness ranking 2012 38
Ranking in basic requirements 2012 45
Ranking in efficiency enhancers 2012 47
Ranking in technological readiness 2012 84
Ranking in innovation and sophistication factors 2012 55
Ranking in innovation 2012 68
Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) ranking 2012 66
KEI Index 2012 5.21
Research and development (R&D) expenditure 2012 USD740 million
% of R&D expenditure to GDP (approximate) 2012 0.24%
Proportion of R&D spending (public and private) 2012 60:40
Sources: The author’s design, based on the World Competitiveness Scoreboard (various years) by
International Institute for Management Development (IMD), World Economic Forum (WEF) Global
Competitiveness Report, World Bank, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD)
Table I .
Overview of economic
and innovation
performance of Thailand
335
Incubator policy
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