Strategic Talent Development: Development of Training Model for Enhancing Competencies for Technology Transfer Professionals

Science, technology, and innovation (STI) often struggle to achieve successful commercial exploitation, resulting in failures during technology commercialization, which highlights the critical gap between research and market implementation. Bridging this gap through effective technology commercialization involves disseminating scientific discoveries to industries capable of commercialization, which is crucial. Technology Transfer Professionals (TTP) serve as crucial intermediaries in the process of technology transfer and commercialization. Despite their importance, there is still a significant gap in understanding the specific skill sets and competencies required to enhance their effectiveness. This study seeks to bridge that gap by identifying the key elements necessary to design a specialized training model uniquely tailored to the needs of TTP, moving beyond traditional, generic employee training approaches. Utilizing the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), the study presents a training model that functions as a strategic talent management tool for both organizations and government agencies. It equips TTP with a focused development program to enhance its credibility, effectiveness, and impact in engaging with diverse stakeholders throughout the innovative ecosystem. By incorporating these findings into professional development initiatives and organizational strategies, the model, which encompasses technical, interpersonal, knowledge-based, and entrepreneurial competencies, aims to enhance technology transfer and commercialization outcomes. Ultimately, this approach strengthens individual TTP capabilities while reinforcing the broader innovation ecosystem at both national and global levels, serving as a catalyst for a more connected, resilient, and innovation-driven global economy.