Abstract: University technology transfer is a process in which universities transfer their valuable scientific research achievements and technologies to industries. It is quite common that informal relationship exists between these two above-mentioned main bodies in the whole process. The reasons for this universality are reducing transaction expenses， making up for the deficiency of formal relationship network， promoting the effective transfer of tacit knowledge and taking into consideration the particular cultural background of China， etc. On the one hand， informal relationship may promote university technology transfer in that it enhances both the quantity and quality of technology transfer， and simplifies the transaction process， which is conducive to triggering multiple technology transfers. On the other hand， it is disadvantageous to set up formal rules and formal relationships， which probably result in ethical risks， integrity risks and even legal risks. It is of great significance to correctly understand and rationally use the informal relationship for promoting university technology transfers and improving their conversion efficiency.

Key words: university, technology transfer, informal relationship