Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Claudia Santin

Abstract

A private, nonprofit university in Mexico invested millions of U.S. dollars in a strategic initiative to build and operate technology-knowledge transfer parks (TKTP) with the mission of supporting the development of Mexican society's entrepreneurial capabilities. The university, however, lacked an assessment policy for gauging the effectiveness of the TKTP initiative. The purpose of this study was to explore stakeholder values about TKTP effectiveness in order to inform future assessment of TKTPs. The triple helix conceptual framework of collaboration between universities, business and industry, and government informed the design of this study. The central question for this study sought to clarify what stakeholders perceive to make TKTPs effective. The study employed stratified random sampling and cross-sectional stakeholder survey data (N = 129). Data analysis included descriptive statistics to present common themes about TKTP stakeholder values, as well as ANOVA to discern significant differences in TKTP valuations between the stakeholder groups. A key finding was that stakeholder groups lack enough information to assess whether the university achieved its original objectives by using the TKTP initiative. Other findings revealed that the stakeholder groups agreed on several criteria for TKTP assessment. A policy recommendation for TKTP assessment, based on the research findings, is provided as part of the project component of this study. This project study supports positive social change by encouraging the region's transformation into a more entrepreneurial, innovative, and knowledge-based economy through continued but more accountable use of TKTPs in Mexico.

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