From Research to Impact: Factors Shaping Translational Mindset

TL;DR

This study explores what motivates researchers to engage in translational work, finding that personal interest and confidence are key factors.

Contribution

The study introduces the Translational Mindset Scale and applies the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand translational intentions.

Findings

Personal Attraction and Self-Efficacy strongly predict translational intention.

Perceived Social Norms indirectly support intention through increased Self-Efficacy.

Institutional role and university type modestly influence motivational factors.

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological and contextual factors shaping researchers’ translational mindset, conceptualized as a reframing of Academic Entrepreneurial Intention (AEI) and grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Using the Translational Mindset Scale (TMS), we surveyed 257 researchers and graduate students in engineering, medical, and biological sciences across R1 and R2 institutions in the United States. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tested a model in which Translation Intention was predicted by Personal Attraction, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Social Norms. Results showed that Personal Attraction and Self-Efficacy were strong positive predictors of intention, while Perceived Social Norms had a negative direct effect but a significant positive indirect effect through Self-Efficacy. The model explained 91.5% of the variance in Translation Intention. Contextual variables, such as institutional role and university type, had small but significant effects on motivational constructs. These findings highlight the complex role of institutional expectations and personal motivation in shaping translational engagement, offering guidance for initiatives aimed at strengthening the academic-to-industry research pipeline.

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