On the backstage of success. Towards an analytical framework for de-bureaucratization in university transfer

• DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/mvdup
• Publication Date: 2025-01-21T19:44:11Z
• Authors: Robert Aust; Justus Henke; Sebastian Schneider
• Keywords: Educational Administration and Supervision; Higher Education Administration; Higher Education; Education

Knowledge transfer from higher education instituions (HEI) in Germany faces a dilemma: Although of central importance, bureaucratic hurdles often slow down effective processes and results. However, a look behind the scenes - at the „backstage“ of transfer - could shed additional light and inspire new research approaches. The mostly hidden dynamics of transfer activities also seem worthwhile investigating because it could improve mutual understanding between transfer actors and administration as well as the exchange of knowledge with external partners. The article focuses on a theoretical-methodological discussion of this backstage of transfer and presents a micro-meso-level integrative analytical model inspired by Coleman’s and Esser’s works, which on the one hand allows an empirical analysis of the backstage and on the other hand a better understanding of the university transfer on the frontstage.