Knowledge Transfer Between Universities and Businesses the Role of Intrinsic Motivation and Functional Value

Yuqui Ketil M.J.; Vega Chica M.L.; Bustos Intriago R.A. · Revista Venezolana de Gerencia (2026) · DOI: 10.52080/rvgluz.31.116.17

Resumen

Knowledge transfer from universities to organizations is key to strengthening innovation, performance, and the link between academic education and the productive sector. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of knowledge acqusition, intrinsic motivation, and the perceived functional value of university studies on knowledge transfer among Ecuadorian university students who are employed. The research adopted a quantitative, correlational, and explanatory approach, based on data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to students from various higher education institutions in Ecuador. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among the model’s constructs. The results show that knowledge acquisition positively influences intrinsic motivation, perceived functional value, and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation significantly affects transfer and acts as a mediator between acquisition and transfer. In contrast, perceived functional value did not show a significant direct or mediating effect. These findings demonstrate that transfer depends primarily on conceptual mastery and internal motivation to apply what has been learned.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú