Technology Transfer: Commercialization and Innovation

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER COMMERCIALIZATION & INNOVATION An Overview from the Innovation Policy Platform www.innovationpolicyplatform.org WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER? The formal and informal transfer of skills, technical knowledge, or technology from public research organizations to industry. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? KNOWLEDGE SKILLS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER promotes SYSTEMATIC PROCESS innovation that boosts productivity and economic development. INNOVATION The challenge is to generate a systematic process of transferring skills and knowledge from research organizations to private industry,. maximizing the contribution of public investments in research and innovation for economic growth. A ECONOMIC DEVELOPÉMENT TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MECHANISMS TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MECHANISMS EA SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY JOINT RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS TACIT KNOWLEDGE skills, techniques, conceptual models SEMINARS, MEETINGS, AND CONFÉRENCES EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE Instrumentation EDUCATION AND TRAINING CODIFIED KNOWLEDGE patents, publications PERSONAL CONTACTS databases TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION Contract R&D and Consultancies Technology Licensing Spin-offs Selling Intellectual Property FROM THE LAB TO THE MARKET 5 STEPS OF TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION RESEARCH AND 1 DISCOVERY Universities generate quality research and knowledge COMMERCIAL LICENSING Researchers sell icenses to firms or transfer intellectual property rights to spin-offs or start-ups DISCLOSURE Researchers disclose findings allowing firms and investors to evaluate market potential PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 5 AND MARKETING With the help of industry professionals, prototypes are developed and marketed DEVELOPMENT Researchers use the input of industry partners to continue to develop the discovery FUNDAMENTALS OF TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION Building Blocks Roadblocks INFORMATION SCIENCE-INDUSTRY DISCONNECT Selling a prototype or research proof requires knowledge of industry, including supply and demand. Academics are rewarded for publications, while private firms seek immediate retums on investment. FUNDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS The additional research needed to Uncertainty over who owns the product of collaborative research. develop a proof of concept, prototype or patent demands extra funds. PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT LACK OF SUPPORT Intermediaries with a broad range of skills are needed to manage intellectual property rights and facilitate technology transfer. Firms and academics may lack the knowledge and resources needed to facilitate technology commercialization. WHY IS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION RELEVANT TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES? It contributes to the widespread diffusion of knowledge, so that it is not concentrated in It helps adapt existing technology and ideas to meet local needs. It contributes to addressing pressing social and environmental problems. International technology transfer with universities companies and s can help firms catch up with intemational competitors and obtain global knowledge. universities. For more policy research and tools, visit www.innovationpolicyplatform.org OECD I The Innovation THH Policy Platform O THE WORLD BANK BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES 000