1. Fostering Valorisation of Publicly Funded Research Dr Pat Frain
Bringing Innovation to Market – Turning Knowledge into Profit Krakow 5-6 September 2013
Fostering Valorisation of Publicly Funded Research
Dr Pat Frain

2. Contents
Background
Strategic approach at National and University Levels
Funding for KTTOs
Increasing strength of KTT profession

3. Background Significant progress in developing KTT over the last decade
Changing role of Universities
Industry commitment to open innovation
Government support for university R&D and Innovation
EU initiatives
BUT MANY CHALLENGES STILL EXIST

4. Need for Strategic approach at National and University Levels1
Need for Strategic approach at National and University Levels

5. Strategic Approach Government - Lack of consistency in KTT Strategies
Industry – need to agree on fair return to all stakeholders
Universities need to show greater commitment to innovation
University Leadership
Long term strategic partnership

6. University Leadership
Adopt innovation as one of the three pillars of University mission
Supportive policies and procedures (ownership of IP, etc)
Flexibility and autonomy of TTO
Code of conduct and appropriate incentives – financial and academic
Clearly defined expectations - benchmarking
Appropriate infrastructure and facilities (incubator, science parks, etc)
Professional TTO with appropriate understanding of academia and industry

7. Strategic Partnerships
Start with shared vision and develop a strategy
Long term strategic partnerships with built in flexibility – relationship and trust
Mutually beneficial – balance industry objectives and academic priorities – appreciation of behavioural drivers
People including project champion are key
Universities will need to ensure reasonable levels of IP integrity
Codes of practice, standard contracts Legislation ?

8. 2
Funding of KTTO

9. NovaUCD
NovaUCD launched in 2003 – purpose built centre - supportive environment - incubation facilities to assist innovators and entrepreneurs - Coherent support programme
Investment: €11 million by public/private partnership
Grants: Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative (2007)
Income: Rents, royalties, acquisitions, etc

10. 10 Years Over 120 companies availed of NovaUCD incubation facilities
30 UCD spin-out companies incorporated
Over 400 inventions disclosed
Over 300 patent applications filed
Over 80 licence agreements concluded
New facility for second stage or established companies

11. The Sponsors measures of success
Technology, Finance, Legal/accounting
Return on Investment
PR/Marketing/Communications
Access to clients (start-ups and entrepreneurs)
Access to graduates and research collaboration/outputs
Enterprise Ireland – TTSI
Managing Expectations

12. Metrics - Inputs to Impacts
< 5 Years
Inputs
Invention disclosures
Patents filed
Research and other agreements
Partnerships
Image of university
5-10 years
More emphasis on outputs
Deals signed
Licences, options, assignments
Spin-outs
Increased research funding
Licensing income (limited)
>10 years
More emphasis on impacts
Products and services in market place
Licensing income
Investments in spin-outs
Income from dividends or sale of shares
Increased competitiveness
Self sufficiency
Jobs created

13. Licensing as a Source of Income Managing Expectations
2010/11 earnings by year of disclosure for top 25 inventions (85.3% of total income from inventions) at University of California
Year of Disclosure
Earnings $ 1000 % %*
46.311 30 68
103,678 67 24
5,367 3 8
Total
155,458
100
* Without $87.5m payment against future royalty income paid in 1996

14. Strength of KTT Profession3
Strength of KTT Profession

15. EuKTS Based on feasibility study funded by EU
Increase quality and recognition of profession by:
Setting professional standards – curriculum
Improving quality of training – Accreditation
Recognition of competences - Certification
EuKTS is unique and comprehensive
Based on detailed KTT curriculum
Offers accreditation and certification
Recognition - grandfathering and exam systems designed for each stage of career
Available to all training providers who meet the required criteria
Consultation ongoing with other providers and potential partners

16. Networks Exchange of best practice and input to policy
National and European - representing professionals and institutions
National - AURIL, CURIE, ITTIG, NetVal, RedOTRI, etc
European – ProTon Europe, ASTP, TT Circle, EARMA, etc
ProTon Europe
Promoting european innovation by increasing the effectiveness of KT and PRO/industry collaboration
Network of National Networks
Strengthening KTT profession
Voice for the Profession on EU policy
Mergers

17. Summary Significant progress
Develop National and University KTT Strategies
University leadership role
Focus on building long term strategic partnerships
Long term commitment to funding of KTTOs
Need to manage expectations
Increase quality and recognition of profession