Researchers as enablers of commercialization at an entrepreneurial university

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and visualize alternative ways – how and by whom – that academic research can come into commercial use. Design/methodology/approach This study in the Swedish context investigates one entrepreneurial university, Chalmers University of Technology. In total, 18 interviews were conducted about researchers’ views on commercialization and on how research comes into commercial use. Findings Five propositions are advocated in relation to researchers’ role as enablers of others’ commercialization. The concept of “need for utilization” is introduced as the critical explanation for researchers’ readiness to transfer knowledge mainly via alumni to established companies. Practical implications This study suggests that both universities and policy should acknowledge alternative ways of commercialization of academic research instead of putting all efforts on trying to transform unwilling academic researchers into entrepreneurs. One alternative is to foster ongoing contacts between researchers and alumni, who make commercial use of academic research in established firms. Originality/value This study furthers the knowledge about researchers’ individual motivation for commercialization, as driven by a “need for utilization.” By showing how researchers enable others commercialization, this study broadens the prevailing focus on researchers’ formation of university spin-offs as the essential output from entrepreneurial universities. The results also contribute to understanding the role of alumni in knowledge transfer to existing industry.