Leveraging Technology Transfer & Commercialization from Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of an Indian University

Abstract

The role of higher education intuitions (HEIs) has been changing over the period of time. Besides generating knowledge and capable workforce for the society, HEIs are encouraged to promote economic growth via development and transfer of technologies to the industry. In context of developed nations substantial research is available on transfer & commercialization of technologies and quite a good number of similar attempts have been made in context of Indian public funded research institutions. The purpose of the present study is to explore the ways Indian higher education institutions manage technology transfer & commercialization (TTC). This paper presents a case study of an Indian private university to represent development of effective institutional mechanism for TTC. The case analysis clearly supports the critical role played by the organizational structures like, innovation incubator, technology transfer office (TTO), intellectual property right (IPR) cell, etc. in transfer & commercialisation of technologies. The paper also provides insights to develop effective research, development and innovation ecosystem, design efficient technology transfer process, and proposes the measures require to accelerate the transfer and commercialization of technologies particularly in Indian private universities.