Innovation Asset Blog

University researcher taps technology transfer as patriotic obligation

Most academic researchers understand the potential benefits to be gained from commercializing their innovations, but Drexel University's senior vice provost for research Deborah Crawford recently took that notion a step further and suggested that universities actually have a patriotic obligation to do so.

According to MedCityNews, Crawford used her platform at a panel discussion held earlier this month to advocate for "aggressive" technology transfer policies.

"I personally believe that research universities have lost sight, to some extent, of their role in our nation," Crawford told the audience. "We receive federal funds to do research on the nation's behalf. And running a tech commercialization office is part of that responsibility set."

The Drexel delegate suggested that current confusion surrounding how university funding should be allocated and managed is partly attributed to larger cost-control issues facing the higher education sector. But according to the new source, she also noted that a clearer definition of roles and expectations from research supporters could help foster their shared success.

Forbes contributor Rebecca Bagley recently echoed these sentiments, underscoring transparent communication as a highly predictive variable. In most cases, lucrative collaborations are the result of long-term research relationships that demand trust on all sides. What's more, a number of opportunities are likely being left on the table as a result of eager universities struggling to find the right match for their special capabilities.

Peter Ackerman

Peter Ackerman

Founder & CEO, Innovation Asset Group, Inc.