Technology Transfer in the Italian Space Industry: Organizational Issues and Determinants

Purpose - The transfer of space technology is recognised as complex even though it is increasingly adopted: space technologies can, for example, be adopted for healthcare products, improved waste management and water recovery, as well as by manufacturers. This study intends to identify the organizational characteristics of TT process and to verify the real determinants for TT success from space to other industrial sectors. Design/methodology/approach - The research employs a case study approach analyzing two projects realized by one of the leading space companies in Europe for small systems integration. Findings - Integrability and flexibility, high reliability, and availability of financial resources results the main facilitating factors for Technology transfer (TT) success, followed by the level of R&D competences and knowledge and the versatility of the technology. Research limitations/implications - Practical implications - The final aim is to supply useful indications to the management of firms and to public decision-makers in order to appropriately formulate the necessary policies and procedures to effectively deal with the problem of technology transfer to other industrial sectors. Originality/value - The technological innovation literature has as yet paid little attention to the TT process from the space sector to non-space areas In order to fill this gap, the aim of this study is to contribute to broadening the knowledge base on the process and the determinants for TT success.