Since the 1980 passage of the US Bayh-Dole Act, academic technology transfer has gained profile globally as a key component of knowledge-driven economic development. Research universities are seen as key contributors. In this article, focusing on the USA and drawing on over twenty years of experience in the field of academic technology transfer in…

Interviews with more than 40 employees of 25 British university spinoff firms, vehicles for moving research into the marketplace, identified differences among sectors (information technology, scientific instruments, and new materials), including diversity in the extent of university control. Overall, these companies do not resolve problems with…

Industry benefits from technology transfer by becoming aware of cutting edge developments, having a pool of experienced candidates, and furthering universities understanding of industry. Universities benefit from diversified funding, exposure to real-world problems, and access to facilities and equipment. Challenges include intellectual property…

Since the British government began allowing universities to exploit the products of their research, universities have developed cash reward systems for inventors. For many researchers, job satisfaction and peer recognition appear more important than monetary rewards. The money is often reinvested in further research. (SK)

Review of academic and industry perspectives on commercial applications of research identified the following: (1) significant barriers, especially institutional and cultural ones; (2) the complexity of the commercialization process; and (3) need for integrated involvement of the research community, industry, financial institutions, and the public…

Benefits of university research include knowledge for government and industry; education of professionals for industry and education; creation of new technologies, industries, and jobs; technology transfer; and access to research. (SK)

Benefits of learning from experience may not materialize without the ability to order it into understandable patterns and apply theoretical frameworks. College professors regularly practice experimentation, reflection, and theorization and thus could facilitate experiential learning for others. (SK)

A survey of 127 universities found increased numbers licensing patented technologies to businesses. Elements aiding this increase included policies encouraging faculty entrepreneurship and a business support system that helps identify industry needs and ways to be responsive. (SK)

Managing R&D and the innovation process is closely linked with technology transfer and the commercialization of research results. This is especially so in the context of publicly-funded R&D laboratory systems in developing countries, such as India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Inefficiencies in the transfer…

A master agreement to formalize university-industry cooperation can conflict with patent policies and intellectual property protection. Agreements should allow protection for sources of competitive advantage and focus on university core competencies. (SK)

Prior to Madey v Duke University, universities may have felt that academic research was immunized from patent infringement by the 'experimental use' defence. However, the Madey case has made clear that this defence is 'very narrow' to the extent that universities can no longer safely rely on it. While state universities in the USA can rely on…

Case studies of 10 publicly funded research laboratories in Italy show that integration of scientific research into the social system has only partially been achieved because of barriers in the host institutions and that there is continuing conflict between the priorities of quality and research transferability. (SK)

Business/industry and academic/scientific values sometimes clash during collaborative research, for example, in limitations on free publication of results and the influence of money on the research agenda. A framework that maximizes mutual benefits and limits the potential for damage can resolve some of these conflicts. (SK)

Discusses technology transfer through the channel of international students and four types of transfer (knowledge, expertise, invention, and equipment). Raises questions about the appropriateness of what is taught to foreign students and its relevance to their home countries. (SK)

Japanese science/technology policies emphasize creative research management for strengthening breakthrough innovation. Key lessons include the following: cultivation of creative researchers, clear strategic directions, systematic teamwork and collaboration, focus on strategic industrial relevance, balance between autonomy and control, and the need…