What is Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is the practice of transferring scientific findings from one organization to another for further development so that new products such as medicines, educational tools, electronic devices, safety equipment and health services can become available to the public. Because bringing products based on academic research to the marketplace can require significant investment – and the core mission of academic institutions is to provide high-level education, not engage in business development – many institutions around the world rely on academic technology transfer to identify commercial partners who can advance early-stage academic research and guide the resulting products through any required review or approval processes.

As the transition from manufacturing-based to knowledge-based economies continues, the importance of academic intellectual property will grow. And the role of academic technology transfer in improving quality of life, building social and economic well-being, and enhancing research programs at academic and nonprofit institutions will become increasingly meaningful.




About Technology Transfer


Technology transfer is the process of transferring scientific findings from one organization to another for the purpose of further development and commercialization. The process typically includes:

Identifying new technologies
Protecting technologies through patents and copyrights
Forming development and commercialization strategies such as marketing and licensing to existing private sector companies or creating new start-up companies based on the technology
Academic and research institutions engage in technology transfer for a variety of reasons, such as:

Recognition for discoveries made at the institution
Compliance with federal regulations
Attraction and retention of talented faculty
Local economic development
Attraction of corporate research support
Licensing revenue to support further research and education
The priority that is given to each of these factors varies from institution to institution. The ultimate benefits of technology transfer, however, are the public benefits derived from the products that reach the market and the jobs that result from the development and sale of products.

The patenting by academic institutions of discoveries resulting from research is a protection of the investment made in research and ensures that these discoveries have the opportunity to reach the stream of commerce. Investments in intellectual property are returned to the public through products that benefit the public, increased employment, and state and federal taxes. These activities can be pursued without disrupting the core values of publication and sharing of information, research results, materials and know-how.

As the transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy continues, the role of university intellectual property will play an increasingly important part. Many states are developing programs to enhance economic development through technology transfer from local research universities. As academic institutions become focal points for economic development, this will undoubtedly lead to more complicated relationships, interactions and expectations.