This study aims to empirically analyze the status of intellectual property (IP) creation and technology commercialization at four-year universities in Chungbuk Province, South Korea, and to propose institutional and policy measures to promote technolo...
This study aims to empirically analyze the status of intellectual property (IP) creation and technology commercialization at four-year universities in Chungbuk Province, South Korea, and to propose institutional and policy measures to promote technology transfer and commercialization within regional universities. As higher education institutions face complex challenges, including declining student populations, reduced financial autonomy, and limitations in regional industrial infrastructure, technology commercialization has emerged as a critical strategy for ensuring university sustainability and regional innovation.
The study employed secondary data, including official statistics from the Higher Education in Korea (University Info) platform, technology transfer records from university-industry cooperation foundations, and patent filing and registration data. It quantitatively compared the IP and technology transfer performance of 11 universities in the Chungcheongbuk-do region. In addition, a qualitative survey targeting university researchers was conducted to assess their experience with technology commercialization and identify perceived institutional needs.
The analysis found that Chungbuk National University, Korea National University of Transportation, and Konkuk University (Glocal Campus) demonstrated relatively high performance in patent activity, technology transfer volume, and licensing income. These outcomes were closely associated with the availability of specialized personnel, internal investment capacity, and the presence of technology marketing functions. In contrast, smaller universities showed weaker performance due to limited IP budgets, a lack of dedicated staff, and insufficient industry linkage. Survey respondents identified procedural complexity, low demand from industry, and tax burdens on inventor rewards as major obstacles. In particular, concerns were raised regarding the current income tax classification of inventor compensation as earned income, which may negatively affect researchers' motivation.
Based on these findings, the study presents key policy recommendations, including strengthening the expertise of Technology Licensing Offices (TLOs), improving the tax structure for inventor remuneration, and developing demand-driven technology marketing platforms.
Keyword : University, Intellectual Property (IP), Technology Commercialization, Technology Transfer