University Tech Transfer 2.0: Strategies for getting more innovation from public universities

Abstract

Public universities in America saw steep declines in funding during the last major recession in the '80s. As jobs disappeared and the tax base shrunk, state and local governments tightened their belts and cutback support for higher education and research. But even as legislators clamped down in some areas, they created opportunities elsewhere. Then, as now, new pieces of legislation were enacted to stimulate economic development, including the Bayh-Dole Act enabling universities to own the intellectual property emanating from government-funded research. The intent was obvious-technological invention would become the engine of economic development. And the fastest way to realize a return on investment of both public and privately supported research was to foster direct collaboration between scientists and business and industry. This new model gave birth to technology transfer operations within hundreds of U.S. public research universities. : Some tech transfer organizations have had more success than others. The most recent survey conducted by the Association of University Technology Managers, indicates that 11 of its roughly 200 member universities account for more than half of all the revenues generated from university patents, in licensing agreements and royalties. Why are some more successful than others? And, more important given the current fiscal crisis, what will it take for others to become more effective? Cell Cycle talked to leaders at three of the country's most successful public university tech transfer programs for insights. Download the article.