Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy as a Key Moderator in Academic Research Commercialization: Overcoming Environmental Barriers

The transition toward a knowledge-based economy has increased the emphasis on academic research commercialization in Malaysian universities. Despite substantial amount of investments in research and innovation activities, Malaysia’s commercialization rates remain relatively low. This study aims to investigates the influence of personal and environmental factors on commercialization success, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) as a moderating variable. Personal factors such as patent law knowledge, personal contact networks, and research involvement are examined alongside environmental factors, including resource availability, institutional support, and dynamic market conditions. The study utilize self-efficacy theory to understand how ESE enhances the ability of academicians to overcome the commercialization challenges. A quantitative research design is adopted, utilizing a structured survey distributed to academicians across engineering faculties in five Malaysian research universities. Data analysis is conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess direct relationships and moderation effects. The findings indicate that personal attributes and environmental support significantly impact commercialization activities, with ESE strengthening these relationships. Academicians with high ESE exhibit greater resilience and problem-solving abilities, leading to improved commercialization success. The study contributes to self-efficacy and competency theories by demonstrating the critical role of ESE in academic entrepreneurship. Practical implications suggest that universities should implement targeted ESE training programs and enhance institutional support mechanisms to foster commercialization.