An Overview on patenting trends and technology commercialization practices in the university Technology Transfer Offices in USA and China

Abstract

The Technology Transfer Office is critical in translating university research into commercial value. This research paper analyzes the performances of university Technology Transfer Office models as well as their technology transfer mechanisms. The first step of this research project involves conducting patent information searches on databases to investigate academic patenting activities in the USA and China. Many Technology Transfer Offices, have similar intellectual property licensing practices and the involvement of industrial partners throughout the commercialization process. However, during the comparison it is found that the Technology Transfer Office working models varied in several ways. The main difference is that the pace at which patenting is accomplished in the USA and Chinese universities is far more sophisticate. Because of substantial resources and government support, Proof of Concept funding at various stages of technological maturity is steadily developing at universities in the USA and China. Furthermore, both USA and Chinese universities are very active in teaching and incentivizing their faculty and students about the importance of academic entrepreneurship and are well-versed with skilled technology transfer professionals who have all the necessary skills to transfer technology.