Explaining the Pattern of Knowledge Commercialization in Higher Education Centers with Emphasis on Cultural Factor (Case study: Islamic Azad University)

Looking at the situation of the country in recent years in terms of knowledge production, it can be seen that although knowledge is the basis of development and wealth, despite the many capabilities in science production, most of them are not successful in commercialization. In the present study, a systematic and strategic model of knowledge commercialization in higher education centers is designed according to the cultural factor. This research is an applied research in terms of purpose and descriptive survey in terms of method. The data of this research include documents received from keyword searches in reputable scientific databases and conducting interviews. In this research, first, using the content analysis method and its implementation in 2020MAXQDA software and performing open and axial coding, the components were identified and summarized, and then the final framework was formed using selective coding. Then, to check the validity of the model, 24 questionnaires were distributed among the statistical sample and analyzed with SmartPLS software. The findings show that the output of content analysis of 26 components in 5 dimensions (knowledge commercialization process, benefits, environment, resources and organization) was identified and the output of confirmatory factor analysis also showed the approval of 48 final indicators. It had validity and reliability tests and the final model was presented with 5 dimensions and 22 components. The system model presented in this research can study the process of turning ideas into technology and knowledge transfer with respect to cultural factors and use the environment and organization for creating appropriate output and benefits. Based on the presented results, decision makers in universities are advised not to implement the initial raw ideas quickly and instead they have to specify a specific process for presenting and evaluating existing ideas. It is also suggested to pay more attention to the role of cultural values, because the commercialization of knowledge, although considered a material activity, must be based on the right organizational culture and values