Management of Innovation in Academia: Going beyond Traditional Technology Transfer

Abstract

Universities have an active role in research commercialisation and hence, many universities have established a technology transfer office. However, technology transfer happens too early in most of the cases and commercial potential of innovation is not clear yet. Proof of Concept, which is developed in the university, is suggested to be a solution for this. In this single case study, Proof of Concept development and technology transfer in the regenerative medicine sector are studied in Tampere, Finland. It was shown how Proof of Concepts are nurtured alongside the research in the faculty. However, sufficient funding and market understanding is needed in order to develop a Proof of Concept that is possible to transfer to industry.