Determining Optimal Method of KNOW-HOW Commercialization Through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Universities and research centers are considered as the most effective organizations influencing on knowledge based economics and to be successful in this respect, role of these organizations in commercialization of technology has to be noticed. By obtaining opinion of panel of experts, identification of different ways of knowledge commercialization and selection of suitable way according to the existing infrastructures, circumstances and facilities in the country, were aimed at by the research. A conceptual model of knowledge commercialization was provided, the most important parts of which included various methods of commercialization of knowledge, criteria used for their selection and effective factors on commercialization process. In order to determine most appropriate way of developing product from know-how and also to specify those factors influencing commercialization process of knowledge, two separate questionnaire were used. Results of opinions obtained were indicative of method of establishing company by scholar in order for product to be developed from knowledge, to be identified as the most appropriate method. Additionally, through examining those factors influencing transition process of knowledge from university to industry, “industry’s awareness of know-how produced in universities”, “training”, “providing financial facilities to owners of know-how to be turned to product”, “need of universities to transfer of know-how to industry:, and “inclination of industry to utilize produced know-how within the country” were respectively identified as the most important effective factors.