An explorative study of the technology transfer coach as a preliminary for the design of a computer aid

Abstract: The university technology transfer coach has an important role in supporting the commercialization of research results. This thesis has studied the technology transfer coach and their needs in the coaching process. The goal has been to investigate information needs of the technology transfer coach as a preliminary for the design of computer aids.Using a grounded theory approach, we interviewed 17 coaches working in the Swedish technology transfer environment. Extracted quotes from interviews were openly coded and categorized. The analysis show three main problem areas related to the information needs of the technology transfer coach; awareness, communication, and resources. Moreover, 20 features for future computer aids were extracted from the interview data and scenarios and personas where developed to exemplify the future use of computer aids.We conclude that there is a need for computer support in the coaching process. Such systems should aid the coach in; awareness, aiding the coach to focus on meetings; communication, aid the coach to transfer commercialisation knowledge; and resources, aid the coach in accessing and delivering of resources to the coachee. However, it is imperative that the computer aids do not interfere with the coach current process; and that the computer aid is not seen as the sole solution.