Intentional efforts to advance the societal impacts of research are known as knowledge mobilization (KMb). Despite increasing pressure on researchers and higher education institutions (HEIs) to engage in KMb activities, capacity building in this area is constrained by a limited understanding of the role of HEIs from the perspective of embedded KMb…

In recent years, a more sophisticated vocabulary has emerged in the field of higher education. Categories such as" socially relevant research"; "knowledge mobilization"; "research impact"; "innovation"; and "university priorities" have appeared. At first glance, these words may appear neutral,…

Since the 1980 passage of the US Bayh-Dole Act, academic technology transfer has gained profile globally as a key component of knowledge-driven economic development. Research universities are seen as key contributors. In this article, focusing on the USA and drawing on over twenty years of experience in the field of academic technology transfer in…

Valorisation is at the centre of many debates on the future of academic research. But valorisation has largely become narrowly understood in terms of universities' economic contributions through patenting, licensing, spin-off formation and technology transfer. This emergent restrictive definition of universities' societal impacts is a worrying…

Universities have long been involved in knowledge transfer activities. Yet the last 30 years have seen major changes in the governance of university-industry interactions. Knowledge transfer has become a strategic issue: as a source of funding for university research and (rightly or wrongly) as a policy tool for economic development. Universities…

Explores how universities can learn from best practices in the private sector when trying to commercialize research. Suggests that consulting organizations can be used as models for the university technology transfer process. (Contains 11 references.) (JOW)

In recent years, considerable attention has been directed toward higher educations role as a driver of economic reform. Yet, surprisingly little is known about the processes and mechanisms by which academic innovations are successfully commercialized. The specific question is, what factors explain why some licensed innovations become bona fide…

Discusses the need to reduce the lag between research and application of new technologies. Presents a transfer model from a strategic planning perspective. (JOW)

A survey of 127 universities found increased numbers licensing patented technologies to businesses. Elements aiding this increase included policies encouraging faculty entrepreneurship and a business support system that helps identify industry needs and ways to be responsive. (SK)

A fictional conversation between Saint Peter and an educational researcher debates the question of whether educational research too often yields results that are patently true or trivially true or useless to practitioners, and, if so, what might be done about that state of affairs. (Author/CJ)

Discusses technology transfer through the channel of international students and four types of transfer (knowledge, expertise, invention, and equipment). Raises questions about the appropriateness of what is taught to foreign students and its relevance to their home countries. (SK)

A training course was designed to prepare researchers for research commercialization for researchers. It introduces concepts involved in the publishing of knowledge such as protection of intellectual property, spin-off companies, and working with commercial companies. (JOW)

Includes "Evolution of Academic-Industry Technology Transfer in the USA" (Berneman, Denis); "University-Industry-Government Partnerships for Innovation: The US Technology Reinvest Project--A Case History" (Leventman); and "The Science-Trained Professional: A New Breed for the New Century" (Tobias, Birrer). (SK)

Sets forth guidelines for assessing the economic impact of university research and development and identifies what may become the roles and responsibilities of technology transfer officers in the assessment process. (Author/JOW)

The role of industry in the planning and management of research is discussed. It is suggested that university research should be ahead of industry and industry should not try to influence academic programs in the basic sciences. (Author/SF)