State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 4A (CALABARZON) play a vital role in regional development by transforming research outputs into flagship products that address local needs and promote economic growth. Despite supportive policies like the Philippine Innovation Act and the Technology Transfer Act, many SUCS face challenges in fully commercializing their innovations, such as limited funding, weak industry linkages, and gaps in intellectual property (IP) management.
This study aimed to determine the institutional innovation and commercialization of flagship products in selected SUCS in Region 4A. Specifically, it sought to describe the SUCs\' profiles; assess innovation practices in idea generation, research development, prototyping, IP management, and innovation culture; and evaluate commercialization strategies in marketing, distribution, partnerships, and funding. It also aimed to identify differences in assessments among respondent groups, examine relationships among institutional profiles, innovation, and commercialization, and identify challenges. Finally, it proposed a strategic marketing plan to strengthen commercialization efforts.
This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. A validated researcher-made questionnaire was administered to 465 purposively selected respondents (5 administrators, 85 employees, and 375 stakeholders) from Cavite State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, and Southern Luzon State University. Data were collected via face-to-face and online surveys using a five-point Likert scale. Analysis included frequency, percentage, weighted mean, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson\'s r.
Findings revealed that food, beverage, and agricultural innovations were the most common flagship products, reflecting strong community orientation. Institutional innovation was rated \"Highly Evident\" (mean = 4.33) and commercialization similarly high (mean = 4.22). While problems were generally \"Least Encountered\" in commercialization (mean = 2.54), institutional innovation challenges were \"Moderately Encountered\" (mean = 2.79), including limited facilities, funding, technical expertise, and weak IP awareness.
The study concludes that SUCS demonstrate strong innovation capacity but face gaps that need to be addressed through improved infrastructure, stronger IP systems, and enhanced partnerships to fully realize commercialization potential.