Government and University TechTransfer

"This is a great example of what can happen when we unleash the American innovation machine and allow entrepreneurs to turn a great idea into a business opportunity," said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "By making it easier, faster and cheaper for start-ups to license groundbreaking technologies we can move innovative ideas to the marketplace – creating jobs and growing our economy."

"From how professors participate in the process to how universities administer the process to the very process itself, all needs to be addressed over the next several years if we are going to be more successful in transitioning technologies from labs to the market."

Through a deal with an alumnus, the university is planning to take an equity stake in a company created by two M.B.A. students that offers services that might help the university’s fund-raisers. Proponents of the move, particularly the dean of the business school and the investor, hope the arrangement will motivate the university to see the company to success.

The critical function of bringing important new technologies from collegiate laboratories to the commercial marketplace is heading for life support.

I was eager to review Kauffman’s critique of technology transfer offices. As a result, I focused most of my attention on the section, "Universities and Economic Growth."

While the term "technology transfer" doesn’t exactly evoke images of celebrations and merriment, it’s nonetheless an exciting time for a field that, in Oregon, is growing.

Imagine being able to tell if someone is lying based on their eye movement, or how about being able to rid children of head lice without using any chemicals, or using a small device to pinpoint electrical shorts in vehicles.

If universities were run like businesses, they would not perform basic research designed to push forward the frontiers of learning.

The TTVs are aimed at businesses without in-house research capability, but which need new and innovative products to increase profit and market share.

Although the specifics of our strategies will vary, reflecting the diverse missions and resources of our institutions, we pledge our universities to greater efforts to advance regional and national economic growth. We are dedicated to ensuring that the knowledge and technological breakthroughs developed at our institutions are rapidly and broadly disseminated to advance the nation’s social and economic interests.