Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) play a crucial role in the commercialization of public research. They are intermediary organizations that bridge the gap between research and innovation, by enabling the transfer of knowledge from public research organizations (PROs) into benefits for society. TTO act as an interface between different actors and maintain strategic relationships with PROs, government, industry, and other community actors.
TTOs are often involved in various channels of knowledge and technology transfer, such as collaborative research, contract research, consultancy, spin-off and startup companies, licensing, and patenting. The relative appropriateness of each channel in the knowledge transfer strategy varies significantly depending on the nature of the knowledge transferred, such as its disciplinary origin, breakthrough character, and the weight of tacit and explicit elements involved.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have traditionally focused on education and research but in recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on knowledge transfer to the private sector and wider society, known as the "third mission." This has enlarged public-private cooperation and encouraged the move towards the "entrepreneurial university."
Third-mission activities encompass a wide array of activities through which HEIs interact with the economy, political arenas, and civil society. TTO can play an important role in supporting the development of new services, products and business models and the establishment of local and international partnerships to commercialize the results of publicly funded research activities. They can also help researchers, students, and teachers to explore new opportunities and access resources that can turn their research into successful products, services, and companies. TTO can also help aligning the commercialization efforts with the research and education mission of the HEI.
To effectively support the commercialization of research, to overcome these challenges, ANI supports the TTO in implementing new strategies for collaborating with researchers, conducting market research, monitoring industry developments, leveraging external networks, and utilizing internal resources to identify technologies with commercial potential. Furthermore, the guidance of international experts was provided to evaluate the commercial potential of each IP asset, this allowed TTO to make informed decisions about how to maximize the value of the HEI's IP Portfolio.
Identify inventions and technologies with commercial potential
Identifying inventions and technologies with commercial potential is a crucial step in building and managing an IP Portfolio. This involves working with researchers and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate technologies that have the potential to be developed into products or services that can be sold in the market. To support this capability, a series of workshops are conducted to help how to identify such technologies:
Through participating in these workshops, TTO gains valuable skills and knowledge that they can use to identify inventions and technologies with commercial potential and build a strong IP Portfolio.
ANI provides access to individual mentorship with experts that offer numerous advantages for TTO in identifying inventions and technologies with commercial potential. Experts have a deep understanding of the industry and the current market trends, which can help TTO to identify potentially valuable inventions and technologies that align with current market needs.
Evaluate the commercial potential of each IP asset
To evaluate the commercial potential of IP assets, we provided the guidance of experts in relevant fields. This involved consulting with industry experts and engaging in market research. Working with experts, allowed the TTO to gain valuable insights into the demand for products or services based on the HEI's IP assets and the competitive landscape in relevant markets. To support this capability, a series of workshops are conducted to help how to identify such commercial potential:
We provide access to individual mentorship with experts to assist TTOs in their efforts to identify inventions and technologies with commercial potential and evaluate the commercial potential of each Intellectual Property (IP) asset. Experts in relevant fields can provide valuable insights into the demand for products or services based on the HEI IP assets, as well as the competitive landscape in relevant markets. This information is critical in determining the commercial potential of each IP asset and developing effective commercialization strategies. Additionally, the mentorship process can provide guidance on how to conduct market research, identify potential revenue streams and develop a comprehensive commercialization plan. The expertise and guidance provided by experts can help TTOs to better understand the industry and the marketplace, and to make informed decisions on how to best commercialize their assets.
Intellectual Property (IP) Portfolio
An IP Portfolio is a collection of IP assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, that HEIs owns. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the HEI's IP assets and to help the TTO manage and monetize these assets effectively.
We support the TTO in building their HEI’s IP Portfolio. This involves working with designers and experts to create a model that is tailored to the specific needs of each HEI.
Communicate the value of the Intellectual Property Portfolio
ANI hosts Open Innovation Challenges that are an effective way to support the commercialization of research and technology, and encourage collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. It also provides an opportunity to identify new opportunities and build long-lasting relationships.
Open Innovation Challenges participant companies submit problems or challenges they are facing and HEIs can submit, from their IP Portfolio, a technology to solve them.
A panel of experts, including representatives from the company, the HEI, and independent experts, then review and evaluate the submissions. The winning solution is awarded funding and support to work on the specific project with the company.
Open Innovation Challenges are a powerful tool for fostering collaboration between HEIs and industry. They provide an opportunity for companies to share the problems and challenges they are facing, while allowing HEIs to showcase the technological solutions they have developed from their IP portfolio and expertise to potential partners and collaborators.
For companies, it allows them to access cutting-edge technology and research from HEIs, which can help to solve their problems and drive innovation. Additionally, open innovation challenges can lead to the creation of new products, services, and companies, which can benefit society and economy.