Commercial Innovation from University Faculty

Abstract

Abstract Study of a sample of faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) has determined that many academic scientists and engineers have commercially-oriented ideas. “Idea-havers” scored high on creativity measurement instruments and participated in more diverse work environment. Academic “idea-exploiters” are marked by personal background characteristic of family, religion and parental occupation that have been identified in earlier research as characteristics of new technical company enterpreneurs. Other indicators reflecting high need for achievement were also observed in the idea-exploiting group. Policy implications for universities and countries interested in technology-oriented development are described.