Models of innovation institutions management in the university ecosystem

Purpose: The key driver to discuss the topic is a research gap as regards the management of SPEs and TTCs in the innovation ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach: The article discusses a university innovation ecosystem in Poland. It also provides a comparative analysis of the functional management models in the innovation ecosystem with the coexistence of TTCs and SPEs with: 1) separated management functions, and 2) a personal union, i.e. the same person managing TTC and SPE. The following research methods have been used: a participatory observation, a focus group discussion to analyse the collected research material and draw conclusions. Findings: The article presents major benefits and risks for TTCs and SPEs, benefits and risks that are related to specific management models applied in entities responsible for technology transfer and commercialization. It is not possible to indicate which of the two TTC and SPE management models is better or more efficient, since advantages can be achieved with both of the models, provided specific conditions are met. Those advantages are mainly related to the cooperation with the social and business environment of a university. Research limitations/implications: The recommendations contribute to a further discussion on the role of TTCs and SPEs and their relations in the innovation ecosystem, as well as efficient management and assessment of technology transfer institutions. Practical implications: The article provides recommendations for dealing with those risks in each of models identified. Originality/value: The article fills a research gap as regards the management of SPEs and TTCs in the innovation ecosystem.