The generation of new knowledge derived from research in higher education institutions (HEIs) is a practice that bolsters the development and innovation capabilities of the social and productive sector, but there are some limitations regarding knowledge transfer or commercialisation. In this article, the key factors which positively affect new knowledge commercialisation (NKC) are analysed. Drawing on a number of interviews with directors of technology transfer offices (TTOs), a roadmap is established which highlights the following factors: the researcher’s entrepreneurial and academic profiles; networking; the role of TTOs, the research initiative; and the institutional system. This study makes an essential contribution to understanding how new knowledge should be commercialised, which factors are essential for the transfer of new knowledge to the social and productive sector, and which stakeholders other than HEIs must be involved in a successful commercialisation process. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.