Linear Model

Under this model, the technological transfer from a university to a company can be expressed as a linear sequence of established stages. This model has 7 stages, which are scientific discovery, declaration of invention, evaluation of the invention for patenting, patenting, commercialization of the technology, license negotiation and finally licensing. Each of these stages are dependent on the previous one, with the first stage of Scientific Discovery being the trigger for everything. "The linear model conceives industrial innovation as a process that goes from basic (university) research to applied research and from there development continues until reaching commercialization"[3]​.

Dynamic Model

The dynamic model arises from a more detailed and thorough analysis of each stage established in the linear model, in which 10 basic proposals or assumptions were identified.

This model conceives transfer as a process that takes into consideration the analysis of internal factors that can affect the successful process of transferring scientific-technological knowledge. Despite being a more comprehensive proposal compared to the linear model, it does not contemplate the analysis of factors external to the transfer process, including the role of the State.[4]​.

Triple Helix Model

This model provides an explanation of both the internal factors of the technology transfer process and the external ones. This model encompasses the triad composed of universities as generators of technology, companies as those responsible for making technologies known through markets and the state, whose role has been widely discussed and modified over time.

The vision of the state's role in the triad has been modified twice, giving rise to three Triple Helix Models over time. The first described the role of the state as an intermediary between the functions of universities and companies. The second shared the idea that the role of the state went beyond a simple intermediary and that therefore it was established as another direct entity in technological transfer, giving permission for technological development, but that its function was completely indifferent to that carried out by the other 2 entities, universities and companies. On the other hand, the third model united the participation of the 3 entities, raising the possibilities that each one could work both jointly and separately, such is the case, in a clear example, of companies that have their own laboratories (that fulfill the function of companies and universities at the same time). In addition to being able to interact between them, there is the possibility of triple participation, where the State, Universities and Companies interact as one.[5]​.

Catch Up Model

This last model explains that technological transfer can also occur through the imitation and capture of technology by a third party. This happens when competition develops to improve products which can compete in the markets in a better way, which is why not only is technology transferred through imitation and acquisition, but this technology is also developed as requested by the markets. An example of this is given by Professor Linsu Kim, a professor at the University of Korea, who, based on an exhaustive study of the automobile industry in the Republic of Korea, developed an integrative model for understanding the dynamics of technological learning as a method of technological transfer at the business level.[6]​.

Linear Model

Under this model, the technological transfer from a university to a company can be expressed as a linear sequence of established stages. This model has 7 stages, which are scientific discovery, declaration of invention, evaluation of the invention for patenting, patenting, commercialization of the technology, license negotiation and finally licensing. Each of these stages are dependent on the previous one, with the first stage of Scientific Discovery being the trigger for everything. "The linear model conceives industrial innovation as a process that goes from basic (university) research to applied research and from there development continues until reaching commercialization"[3]​.

Dynamic Model

The dynamic model arises from a more detailed and thorough analysis of each stage established in the linear model, in which 10 basic proposals or assumptions were identified.

This model conceives transfer as a process that takes into consideration the analysis of internal factors that can affect the successful process of transferring scientific-technological knowledge. Despite being a more comprehensive proposal compared to the linear model, it does not contemplate the analysis of factors external to the transfer process, including the role of the State.[4]​.

Triple Helix Model

This model provides an explanation of both the internal factors of the technology transfer process and the external ones. This model encompasses the triad composed of universities as generators of technology, companies as those responsible for making technologies known through markets and the state, whose role has been widely discussed and modified over time.

The vision of the state's role in the triad has been modified twice, giving rise to three Triple Helix Models over time. The first described the role of the state as an intermediary between the functions of universities and companies. The second shared the idea that the role of the state went beyond a simple intermediary and that therefore it was established as another direct entity in technological transfer, giving permission for technological development, but that its function was completely indifferent to that carried out by the other 2 entities, universities and companies. On the other hand, the third model united the participation of the 3 entities, raising the possibilities that each one could work both jointly and separately, such is the case, in a clear example, of companies that have their own laboratories (that fulfill the function of companies and universities at the same time). In addition to being able to interact between them, there is the possibility of triple participation, where the State, Universities and Companies interact as one.[5]​.

Catch Up Model

This last model explains that technological transfer can also occur through the imitation and capture of technology by a third party. This happens when competition develops to improve products which can compete in the markets in a better way, which is why not only is technology transferred through imitation and acquisition, but this technology is also developed as requested by the markets. An example of this is given by Professor Linsu Kim, a professor at the University of Korea, who, based on an exhaustive study of the automobile industry in the Republic of Korea, developed an integrative model for understanding the dynamics of technological learning as a method of technological transfer at the business level.[6]​.