Assessing the effects of information disclosure on technology commercialization: an agent-based approach

Abstract The information problem is one of the major obstacles to technology transfer and commercialization. Several strategies have been proposed to address information issues, including disclosing technology information and improving technology assessment. However, the impact of these instruments on technology commercialization has not been sufficiently examined. This study explored the impact of technology information disclosure and technology assessment on technology commercialization using an agent-based model. The simulation results indicate that extensive disclosure of information may not always be essential. Instead, information problems can be resolved through the advancement of technology assessment, even when the level of information disclosure is low. The findings imply that enhancing technology assessment methodologies may be a more effective and less risky alternative to extensive information disclosure for overcoming information problems in technology transfer and commercialization.