Factors Affecting the Academic Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Faculty and Researchers of the University of the Philippines Manila

Abstract

Background: In gearing towards academic entrepreneurship, an important catalyst to consider for this transformation in the university is the academic entrepreneurial intentions (AEI) of the faculty and researchers. Furthermore, the success of such initiative largely depends on the willingness of the faculty and researchers to be part of patent disclosure, patent application, and possibly the commercialization of their research findings.

Objectives: To determine the effect of the economic factors (human capital, social capital, and expected entrepreneurial benefits) and psychological factors (attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavior) on the AEI of the faculty and researchers of UP Manila based on the modified theory of planned behavior.

Methods: The AEI of faculty and researchers of UP Manila was characterized based on the modified theory of planned behavior. A cross-sectional survey of the AEI of faculty and researchers of the University was conducted. Path analysis was applied on the survey data to obtain the final empirical model of the AEI.

Results and Conclusion: The survey was made on the eight (8) colleges of UP Manila (CAMP, CAS, CD, CM, CN, CP, CPH, NTTC-HP) and the NIH, covering 232 faculty and researchers (out of a total of 698). The result of the study showed that entrepreneurial experience and linkages with public support institutions contributed significantly in explaining the variance in intentions. Expected reputational and financial gains contributed largely via their indirect effects. Patenting experience has a net negative effect on intention. Path analysis showed that attitude and perceived behavioral control contribute positively, with entrepreneurial experience and linkages with public support institution contributing directly to AEI. The study indicates a potentially positive response to efforts towards a university-wide intellectual property awareness program and technology transfer initiatives.