Research commercialization capability: exploring dimensions and their relative importance within Japanese S&T academia

Purpose This study aims to explore the latent dimensions of the scientific research commercialization capability of Japanese academia, which can help them improve their ability to commercialize their research findings from lab to market through various mechanisms. Drawing on extant literature on research commercialization, influential predictors were explored and the nature of their relative influence was assessed. Design/methodology/approach To explore the latent dimensions of scientific research commercialization capability, the extant literature was analyzed to find relevant research variables and design a conceptual model for empirical validation. Based on the conceptual model, an online questionnaire was developed and distributed among the academic research and development (R&D) teams operating in government-funded science and technology (S&T) universities in Japan. Exploratory factor analysis of the initial small sample (n1 = 120 responses) and confirmatory factor analysis on the large sample (n2 = 220 responses) reveal the four sub-dimensions underlying the focal construct. Findings The study reveals four dimensions of scientific research commercialization capability – invention development, co-creation, venture management and scientific research, along with their relative importance (in the same order). These four dimensions and their relative importance can help organizational leaders in aligning their managerial attention and resources toward improved commercialization performance of academic innovators. Originality/value Theoretical contributions are aligned toward the capability-based view of the firm with a special focus on the R&D commercialization capability of Japanese S&T academic organizations. The study contributes to the extant literature on research commercialization in three ways: an empirical model, theoretically grounded antecedents and their corresponding influence on research commercialization capability in the Japanese S&T context.