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.

Read more about technology transfer