ABSTRACT
The “Great Wall” between the university and the economy was torn down in the 1980s as part of a mobilization to achieve rapid economic growth in China. Solid concrete walls, replaced by porous picket fences, symbolized the social responsibility of the university. The third mission of the university germinated at the behest of government and the Party, making contribution to economic growth as well as social development an academic task. Acknowledging technology demands through consulting for industry, the university developed applied-orientation research, followed by creation of its own high-tech firms. As we shall see, the university technology transfer system is broader than the activities of a technology transfer office (TTO) focused on the commercializable results of academic research. Rather, it is concerned with promoting the utilization of technology at various levels, derived from sources within and without the university, nationally and internationally.
