What is it about?
This paper systematically reviews the literature on the commercialization of university patents from 2001 to 2021. While many studies have explored why academics decide to patent their inventions, fewer have examined the factors that determine whether these patents are licensed to industry. The paper categorizes existing research into four groups based on the data sources used: patent databases, surveys or interviews with academics, institutional information from university technology transfer offices (TTOs), and perspectives from companies that license the patents. The goal is to understand how knowledge transfer from universities to industry occurs and to identify trends and gaps in the research on this topic.
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Why is it important?
This research is important for several reasons. First, it addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on the factors that influence whether university patents are licensed to industry, which is crucial for effective knowledge transfer. Understanding these factors can help universities and policymakers develop strategies to enhance the commercialization of academic research, leading to greater innovation and economic growth. Additionally, by categorizing existing studies based on their data sources, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, highlighting trends and identifying areas that need further exploration. This can guide future research efforts and improve the effectiveness of technology transfer processes. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of how academic inventions can be successfully brought to market, benefiting both universities and industry.
Perspectives
It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the commercialization of university patents, highlighting the factors that influence whether these patents are licensed to industry. By categorizing existing studies based on their data sources, the paper identifies trends and gaps in the literature, offering a clear direction for future research. It emphasizes the importance of effective knowledge transfer from universities to industry, which can drive innovation and economic growth. Additionally, the paper suggests that understanding the perspectives of different stakeholders, such as academics, university technology transfer offices, and companies, is crucial for improving the commercialization process. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of how academic inventions can be successfully brought to market, benefiting both universities and industry.
Dr F. Javier Miranda
Universidad de Extremadura
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF ACADEMIC PATENTS: A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW AND A RESEARCH AGENDA, Technology & Innovation, January 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/19498241.2024.2420705.
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