Understanding the Complexities: Interrelationships of Critical Barriers to University Technology Transfer in Vietnam Using T-Spherical Fuzzy MCDM Approach

By implementing new technologies, university technology transfer (UTT) is crucial for economic advancement. However, developing countries face numerous challenges regarding UTT. This study proposes a unique approach by combining Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods such as Delphi and Decision-Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) with Fuzzy Theories, specifically Spherical Fuzzy Sets (SFSs) and T – Spherical Fuzzy Sets (T-SFSs), to examine the barriers in UTT. The distinctive aspect of this study lies in addressing the limitations of SFSs and upgrading them to T-SFSs by incorporating them with the DEMATEL approach. Initially, SFS Delphi is employed to identify and eliminate nonimportant barriers. Subsequently, SF DEMATEL is utilized to classify barriers into cause-effect groups and determine their interactive relationships. However, SFSs have revealed specific weaknesses during this step, prompting the adoption of T-SF DEMATEL as a replacement. The findings highlight the perfect compatibility of T-SFSs with the research model and identify several primary barriers that hinder UTT, including C14, inconsistent rules and regulations, C9, misalignment between research and commercialization objectives, C3- lack of recognition for university-industry linkages, and C5- lack of resources. This study not only improves the understanding of UTT for decision makers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, facilitating the creation of solutions, but also serves as a reference for researchers in the application of T-SFSs in other research domains.