University technology transfer ecosystems in a transition economy context: an organisational design perspective

Technology transfer ecosystems (TTEs) support innovation and regional development by enabling the commercialisation of academic research. Within these ecosystems, technology transfer offices (TTOs) and related intermediaries coordinate knowledge exchange at the science–market interface. Although research on individual technology transfer actors has expanded, less attention has been given to how these actors are configured and governed as an interconnected ecosystem, particularly in transition economies where policy mediation and resource constraints are important. This paper examines the organisational design and interaction patterns of university technology transfer organisations and university-based TTEs in Hungary. Using documentary analysis and a structured survey of 15 Hungarian universities, we identify a state-anchored ecosystem configuration. In this configuration, intermediaries are typically university-owned and centrally governed, autonomy is limited, and coordination is closely tied to public funding instruments and policy steering. The study contributes to TTE typology development and offers practical implications for strengthening intermediary autonomy, external interfaces, and funding diversification.