Abstract
In this paper, we explore how university-based scientists overcome the barriers to appropriating the returns from new knowledge via entrepreneurship; and we examine how a university-based technology transfer office (TTO), with an incubation facility, can assist scientists in the commercialisation process. We identify how scientists overcome three barriers to commercialisation. First, we find that scientists take account of traditional academic rewards when considering the pay-offs of commercialisation activity. Second, scientists recognise the commercial value of new knowledge when market-related knowledge is embedded in their research context, and/or when they develop external contacts with those with market knowledge. Third, the deliberate efforts of scientists to acquire market information results in individuals or organisations with market knowledge learning of the new knowledge developed by the scientists; and intermediaries can help individuals or organisations with resources learn of new knowledge developed by scientists. We find that the TTO, principally through an enterprise development programme (CCDP), played an important role in the commercialisation process. The principal benefit of the TTO is in the domain of putting external resource providers in contact with scientists committed to commercialisation. Our findings have important implications for scientists and for those interested in promoting commercialisation via entrepreneurship.
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Notes
In 2004 the university appointed a new president. Since then the university has restructured itself into a smaller number of Colleges and Schools.
The current centre is a purpose built incubator that opened in 2003. This new centre was a public-private partnership, in that it was co-sponsored by UCD Dublin, six external groups and Enterprise Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland defines a ‘high potential start up’ as a company which is based on technological innovation; likely to achieve significant growth in 3 years (sales of €1.0m per annum and employment of 10 or more); is export oriented; and ideally, led by an experienced team, with a mixture of technical and commercial competencies. This definition includes early stage, product led R&D companies, with equivalent sales and employment potential, following successful completion of a defined pre-commercialisation phase.
Names are disguised to protect the commercial interests of the firms.
Since this case was completed the University has undergone a major restructuring under a new president. One effect of this is that the university promotion system now explicitly recognises commercialisation activity.
Participation by the scientists from both firms on the CCDP and the subsequent location of their firms in the incubator may have been an important signal to the funding agency, Enterprise Ireland, of the entrepreneurs’ commitment to commercialisation, and therefore their success in accessing the funds.
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Financial support for this research was provided by Irish Government under the Technological Sector Strand 1 Research Programme.
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O’Gorman, C., Byrne, O. & Pandya, D. How scientists commercialise new knowledge via entrepreneurship. J Technol Transfer 33, 23–43 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-006-9010-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-006-9010-2