Has your tech transfer office set some resolutions for 2012? I’ve been doing some thinking about that, particularly in the context of the political landscape of late that TTOs must navigate.
It’s certainly not news that in the last few years politics has been wagging the dog when it comes to tech transfer. And 2011 was no exception. For example, there was a big push toward using tech transfer to generate economic development and startups. But well-intentioned policies are not always aligned with what really brings value to technology communities, not to mention the universities and government labs where the technologies originate.
When the federal government (or an organization’s internal administration) creates incentives for startups or economic development (BTW, the two terms are not synonymous) or partnerships or other goals, TTOs often are very quick to jump on the latest initiative. But making decisions for the long run rather than for short-term reasons is always going to glean better results. And this applies not only to shifting political winds but also to lean-budget times as well as negotiating agreements.
Tech transfer offices that consistently screen and assess their technologies from a market perspective from the start (rather than trying to force it based on the initiative du jour) more readily recognize the technologies that can and should go the startup route or that require additional collaborative R&D. These are the TTOs that will be most successful now and in the years to come.
BTW, the same is true for professors, who are increasingly looking to address real-world issues. Those that focus on fundamental research geared toward highly relevant outcomes—whether from a commercial, economic, or humanitarian perspective—have the greatest success.
So, with all of this in mind, here are my top 5 recommendations for new year’s resolutions:
1. Mine for the gems, discard the coal: Use cost-effective, consistent processes to screen all inventions and quickly down-select to those with the highest market potential. Focus your efforts and resources there.
2. Stop reacting, start proacting: Don’t wait for your licensing prospects to come to you. Create and implement proactive, strategic, efficient action plans to go get them and secure a deal.
3. Remember the AMMO in marketing: Props to Howie Jacobson for his recent post on the Fast Company blog about speaking “Doglish.” Always remember your audience, message, mechanism, and outcome.
4. Streamline and standardize: Create clear, straightforward processes, procedures, and rules and post them online. Use standard/template agreements judiciously.
5. Let go of your fear: Surprisingly, one of the biggest obstacles to tech transfer success has nothing to do with process, skills, or funding. It’s the fear of making a bad decision, which usually leads to making no decision. There are ways to make the best decision possible. So do those things, and make it!
What are your resolutions for 2012? Post them in a comment below or contact us privately.
