Commercialisation and spin-out activities of the Institute of Biotechnology

Abstract

Knowledge is now recognised as a prime driver of innovation, productivity and economic growth. The new economies will require heavy investment into research and development, education and training and the development of novel flows and relationships among the key players, government, academia and industry. The higher education sector will play a key role in furnishing the novel ideas and skilled personnel to enable this transition, but will require organisational and cultural change to be effective. The Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge exemplifies a route by which the seamless exploitation of its pure science base to create knowledge-based spin-off companies may be achieved in a single organisation.