Technology transfer offices have their work cut out to turn innovative ideas into reality Fewer than 4% of R&D publications generated by SA universities are commercialised 26 April 2021 - 08:04 Joshua Romisher Picture: 123RF/Pop Nukoonrat
In 2018 universities worldwide spent more than R3.9bn on research & development (R&D). According to the National Intellectual Property Management Office, in that same year SA universities generated 19,808 R&D publications. However, fewer than 4% of those publications were commercialised as inventions, patents or intellectual property (IP).
It’s perhaps no shock then that a study conducted among university technology transfer offices in the US concluded that only 13% of those offices can cover their operating costs. Something is clearly amiss when fewer than one out of every eight technology transfer offices in the world’s most developed country are actually viable entities themselves.
Joshua Romisher
In 2018, universities around the world spent over R3.9B on research and development (R&D). According to the National Intellectual Property Management Office, in that same year South African universities generated 19,808 R&D publications. However, less than 4% of those publications were commercialised as inventions, patents or intellectual property (IP). It s perhaps no shock then that a study conducted among University Technology Transfer (TT) offices in the USA concluded that only 13% of those offices can cover their operating costs. Something is clearly amiss when less than one out of every eight TT offices in the most developed country in the world are actually viable entities themselves.
File image
NATIONAL NEWS - As governments around the world prioritise economic recovery following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on business, this year s World Intellectual Property Day will shine a light on the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Activities will be held under the theme: Intellectual property and SMEs: Taking your ideas to the market to encourage the use of intellectual property (IP) by SMEs, and foster innovation with a view to generating revenue and contributing to economic development.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) observes World IP Day annually on 26 April to raise awareness of the role that IP rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. South Africa is one of WIPO s 193 member states.