Benchmarking Analysis of Innovation and Technology Transfer in HEIs From Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

Abstract

This article aims to assess and benchmark the state of technology transfer and innovation processes (TTIP) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), focusing on how institutional and stakeholder-related knowledge transfer is shaped by regional contexts. The study is grounded in established theories of university–stakeholder interaction and innovation systems, with particular attention to the methodological approaches that dominate TTIP research and practice in CEE HEIs. Methodologically, the research combines an empirical comparative analysis with the development of a comprehensive mixed-methods survey framework. The proposed methodology employs stratified sampling across institutional employee types and research areas, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative insights and administrative records related to technology transfer activities. The survey targets academic staff, researchers, administrative personnel, and doctoral students, who are identified as the primary actors in university technology transfer processes. The findings highlight that HEIs in CEE operate within distinct historical, institutional, and economic conditions that generate persistent challenges, including weak university–industry linkages, underdeveloped innovation ecosystems, limited and discontinuous funding, and uneven institutional support structures compared to Western European counterparts. Despite these constraints, technology transfer activities are shown to operate across diverse institutional environments through multiple mechanisms, including technology transfer offices (TTOs), collaborative research projects, intellectual property management, start-up creation, and academic spin-offs. The added value of this study lies in its integrated analytical and methodological contribution. First, it offers a contextualized benchmarking of TTIP performance in CEE HEIs that accounts for regional specificities often overlooked in pan-European analyses. Second, it introduces a robust and replicable survey-based methodology for capturing individual-level perspectives on technology transfer, enabling more nuanced performance measurement beyond institutional indicators. Finally, the study provides evidence-based insights to inform policymakers and university managers seeking to strengthen innovation systems in CEE higher education while respecting national and institutional diversity.