Technology Transfer Virtual Network: analysis within the National System of Innovation

The National Council of Research (CNR), the largest public research body in Italy, has, from 1995 to 1998, tried a technological transfer (TT) virtual network with the aim of stimulating and coordinating initiatives for matching the supply of public scientific research and the innovation demand of Italian firms. We have investigated which mechanisms in the socio-economic environment could affect the functioning of this network organisation within the Italian national system of innovation. The main results show some limits concerning the internal organisations of the network and some socio-economic barriers that slow down TT activities. These results can be used as the basis for planning and efficiently managing other technology transfer networks.