Commercialization Efforts Research Articles

Re-engineering Agricultural Innovation in Southeast Asia (RAISE-Asia)

Feeding the growing global population and reducing poverty require innovative approaches in agriculture and food systems to sustain the planet’s health and food requirements. Sustainable development can be achieved by generating new knowledge and translating them into use through innovation process. A customer-oriented technology readiness level (COTRL) tool is presented to re-engineer agricultural innovation by systematically assessing new agricultural technologies with customer input and ensuring that the early design of the scientific research already has the end-products in mind. The COTRL methodology will integrate research, prototyping, and commercialization efforts and facilitate a disciplined and impactful innovation process. It will guide researchers and scientists, research managers and coordinators, funding agency program managers, policymakers, and other personnel involved in bringing scientific discoveries to market for societal impact. The COTRL framework can be used to strengthen the collaboration among academia, research institutions, networks of excellence, and the private sector in the ASEAN to create an effective ecosystem for manpower and structural capability development, knowledge sharing, and business development within and across member states.

Is the Position of Power More Relevant than Gender for Commercialization of Research? An Explorative Longitudinal Study over 21 Years

AbstractThe existing gender gap regarding commercialization of research is a limiting factor for the knowledge economy. The aim of this study is to explore the long-time development of the proportion of women researcher’s involvement in the process of university spin-out (USO) foundations in a longitudinal study over 21 years at the Uppsala University in Sweden, using the perspective of the position of power. It was found that the proportion of women researchers among the USO-founders increased at the same pace as the increase in the proportion of women among full professors at the University and the gender gap was significantly reduced during the last 7 years studied. Furthermore, during the last 7 years studied, 2.7% of the women full professors at the University participated in USO creations compared to 2.6% of their male counterparts. These findings challenge the perception that women in general have a lower entrepreneurial propensity and strongly indicate that the position of power has a significant impact. Furthermore, the prosperity of women researchers to get involved in commercialization efforts in this Scandinavian study seems to be much higher than those previously reported from the Anglo-Saxen context which is discussed from the perspective of other influential factors. Since the study is limited to only one university recommendations for further studies to validate, the findings are given as well as policy recommendations.

Review of AEM Electrolysis Research from the Perspective of Developing a Reliable Model

This review thoroughly examines recent progress, challenges, and future prospects in the field of alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis. This emerging technology holds promise for eco-friendly hydrogen production. It blends the benefits of traditional alkaline and proton-exchange membrane technologies, enhancing affordability and operational efficiencies by utilizing non-precious metal catalysts and operating at reduced temperatures. This study discusses key developments in materials, electrode design, and performance enhancement techniques. It also highlights the strategic role of AEM electrolysis in meeting global energy transition targets, like achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. An in-depth exploration of the operational fundamentals of AEM water electrolysis is provided, noting the technology’s early stage development and the ongoing need for research in membrane-electrode assembly assessment, catalyst efficiency, and electrochemical ammonia production. Moreover, this review compiles results on different cell components, electrolyte types, and experimental approaches, providing insights into operational parameters critical to optimizing AEM performance. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity for continuous research and commercialization efforts to exploit AEM electrolysis’s full potential across diverse industries.

Strategies to control humidity sensitivity of azobenzene isomerisation kinetics in polymer thin films

Azobenzenes are versatile photoswitches that garner interest in applications ranging from photobiology to energy storage. Despite their great potential, transforming azobenzene-based discoveries and proof-of-concept demonstrations from the lab to the market is highly challenging. Herein we give an overview of a journey that started from a discovery of hydroxyazobenzene’s humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics, developed into commercialization efforts of azobenzene-containing thin film sensors for optical monitoring of the relative humidity of air, and arrives to the present work aiming for better design of such sensors by understanding the different factors affecting the humidity sensitivity. Our concept is based on thermal isomerisation kinetics of tautomerizable azobenzenes in polymer matrices which, using pre-defined calibration curves, can be converted to relative humidity at known temperature. We present a small library of tautomerizable azobenzenes exhibiting humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics in hygroscopic polymer films. We also investigate how water absorption properties of the polymer used, and the isomerisation kinetics are linked and how the azobenzene content in the thin film affects both properties. Based on our findings we propose simple strategies for further development of azobenzene-based optical humidity sensors.

Strategic portfolio management of university-owned patents for commercializing inventions

In the contemporary knowledge-driven economy, universities are pivotal in generating intellectual property through research. Efficiently managing and commercializing the resulting patents are critical for fostering innovation and economic growth. This article presents a comprehensive framework for the strategic portfolio management of university-owned patents, focusing on effective patent selection and periodic evaluation through a structured scoring system. Drawing inspiration from international experiences such as the Bayh-Dole Act, the framework incorporates scoring scales that evaluate novelty, inventive step, commercialization potential, and inventor team status. The process guides universities in selecting patents for their portfolio and periodically reevaluating their relevance. This systematic approach aims to optimize patent commercialization efforts, enhance innovation transfer, and align universities' patent portfolios with their strategic goals. However, the framework is not without limitations, including subjectivity in scoring and evolving market dynamics. Future research directions could address these limitations and further refine the framework to maximize the impact of university-owned patents in driving innovation and economic progress.

Commercialization Efforts of Capacitive Deionization Technology in Water Treatment Processes

AbstractAlthough capacitive deionization (CDI) technology has been studied intensively for more than 20 years, its commercialization remains in the initial stage, which is partly caused by the insufficient knowledge exchange between academia and industry. This concept reviews multiple scaling‐up efforts in the CDI technology for treating real water streams, following a case‐by‐case fashion. While the cell architecture in pilot scales is limited to the membrane CDI, highlighting the necessary role of ion‐exchange components during scaling‐ups, different ways of electrode stacking, i. e., monopolar and bipolar, are available. The performance indicators of these CDI systems when treating real water streams are summarized to gain insights into industrial practices. Importantly, key discrepancies in cell components and performances between pilot‐scale and lab‐scale studies are emphasized. The main challenges in large‐scale CDI systems for industrial purposes are discussed, providing hints for a better integration of research and applications.

Overhauling research commercialisation at UK universities

ABSTRACT UK universities face two existential threats: (1) sources of income are critically undiversified from international student tuition fees that recent global health and conflict crises have put at risk; (2) academic departments in the arts and humanities face cuts in many institutions over unprofitability. This article argues that research commercialisation may represent a useful tool to address these threats to different extents. An overview of current research commercialisation in the UK precedes a framework of aims and principles to govern overhauled research commercialisation efforts. Most importantly, it is argued that departmental business development staff should be employed to collaboratively determine commercial research opportunities with academics, which should then be retained and developed within universities to maximise institutions’ eventual share of the gains. It is concluded that a vastly expanded research commercialisation wing of university administration would empower more world-leading discovery and strengthen the long-term business model of UK higher education.

A Review on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology: An Efficient Energy Conversion System

The increasing global dependence on fossil fuels for energy has prompted researchers to explore alternative power generation sources that offer higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and low environmental impact. Developed countries have been making continuous efforts to reduce their reliance on depleting fossil fuel sources to curb carbon emissions. As a result, hydrogen has gained significant attention among researchers as a potential future fuel that meets all the necessary criteria. Many countries aiming for a hydrogen economy have invested in research on fuel cells. Among various fuel cells, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has emerged as a commercially viable power source at a small scale. This paper provides an extensive review of the components, materials, design, operation, and integration strategies of SOFCs with existing thermal-based power plants. The performance and prospects of various SOFCs in standalone and hybrid modes are summarized, along with the limitations. Additionally, the research and commercialization efforts that can enhance the potential applications of SOFCs as a sustainable and reliable system in the long term are outlined.

Environmental assessment of an innovative adhesive for the footwear industry: road map for product development

PurposeThis work presents an environmental assessment of two adhesives to evaluate the replacement of the traditional adhesive (PU) used in the footwear industry by a novel adhesive based on a microencapsulation approach (PUMC) which is more favorable from the safety and technical perspectives. The PU adhesive is polyurethane-based, while the PUMC adhesive is polyurethane-based but with its isocyanate compounds microencapsulated, increasing storage life and reducing risks related to the exposure of workers with the adhesives.MethodsThe potential environmental impact of the adhesives was evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. A detailed process model was developed (both for laboratory and for a pilot-scale implementation) to investigate the environmental impacts associated with these processes. The functional unit was one kilogram of adhesive (PU and PUMC adhesives) produced. A cradle-to-customers’ gate approach was defined. The system boundary starts from extraction of resources, through material production, until adhesive use. This includes microcapsule production in the case of the PUMC adhesive. This study investigates the important drivers behind the environmental impacts to help guide commercialization efforts. A scenarios study/sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the response of the PUMC adhesive system to the variability of the model, scenarios, and parameters.ResultsThe results show that the PU adhesive environmental impact is due to acetone and polyol consumption in the production stage. In the PUMC adhesive system, acetone consumption and microcapsule production are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), dichloromethane (DCM), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) consumption are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact of the microcapsules’ production. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using three alternative scenarios focused on the reduction in material consumption and increase in material recuperation, as well as using an alternative renewable energy source. Although the traditional PU adhesive has a lower impact, it was found that the three alternative PUMC adhesive systems can become comparable to the traditional PU adhesive.ConclusionsThis study shows the advance and development of a new technology for microencapsulation of isocyanate in adhesives and its environmental advantages and disadvantages with respect to a traditional product that uses non-encapsulated isocyanate. Finally, it was shown that there is significant potential for minimizing some environmental impacts of the PUMC adhesive, such as optimizing the microcapsules’ production stage, increasing the production efficiency to decrease the required material consumption.

Design of a Novel Delivery Efficiency Feedback System for Biphasic Dissolving Microarray Patches Based on Poly(Lactic Acid) and Moisture-Indicating Silica.

Dissolving microarray patches (DMAPs) represent an innovative approach to minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery, demonstrating efficacy in delivering both small and large therapeutic molecules. However, concerns raised in end-user surveys have hindered their commercialization efforts. One prevalent issue highlighted in these surveys is the lack of clear indicators for successful patch insertion and removal time. To address this challenge, a color-change-based feedback system is devised, which confirms the insertion and dissolution of DMAPs, aiming to mitigate the aforementioned problems. The approach combines hydrophilic needles containing model drugs (fluorescein sodium and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran) with a hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) baseplate infused with moisture-sensitive silica gel particles. The successful insertion and subsequent complete dissolution of the needle shaft are indicated by the progressive color change of crystal violet encapsulated in the silica. Notably, distinct color alterations on the baseplate, observed 30 min and 1 h after insertion for FITC-dextran and fluorescein sodium DMAPs respectively, signal the full dissolution of the needles, confirming the complete cargo delivery and enabling timely patch removal. This innovative feedback system offers a practical solution for addressing end-user concerns and may significantly contribute to the successful commercializationof DMAPs by providing a visualized drug delivery method.

‘Women play football, not women’s football’: the potentials and paradoxes of professionalisation expressed at the UEFA women’s EURO 2022 Championship

This article examines the potentials and paradoxes of professionalisation in women’s football expressed at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Championship. Through an event ethnography during the semi-finals of the championship, five potentials related to the professionalisation of women’s football are identified, each of which are accompanied by a paradox. First, UEFA’s marketing raised expectations of the event despite the lack of visibility of the championship in the host cities. Second, record-breaking attendance signalled increased popularity, while UEFA’s choice of smaller stadiums and lower ticket prices limited any commercial potential. Third, increased commercialisation efforts align with developmental trends in men’s football, while gender stereotypes portrayed in commercialised products pose an equality-related paradox. Fourth, the implementation of VAR highlights a commitment to the professionalisation of women’s football, but limited resources impact the quality of the technology. Finally, the diversity of spectators fosters inclusivity, yet stadium designs do not support such diversity. Collectively, these potentials demonstrate a growing recognition and investment in women’s football and reflect the development of commercialisation and professionalisation. However, the paradoxes associated with these potentials indicate that there is still some way to go in terms of providing equal opportunities for men and women football players in Europe.

Characterization of indigenous Durio species from Sarawak, Borneo: relationships between chemical composition and sensory attributes.

Sarawak, Borneo, harbours 16 unique Durio species, half of which are edible, with only Durio zibethinus widely cultivated. Despite their nutritional and economic significance to the rural communities in Sarawak, the lesser-known indigenous durians remain underrepresented in the scientific literature while facing the risk of extinction in the wild. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct comprehensive chemical analyses of these wild edible durians, offering insights into their nutritional and sensory taste attributes. The edible part was separated at optimal ripeness, and the samples were subjected to further analysis. Wild edible durian genotypes exhibit varied characteristics, even within the same species. The majority of wild durians are characterized by a sugar composition consisting predominantly of sucrose, constituting 67.38-96.96%, except for the red-fleshed Durio graveolens renowned for its low total sugar content (0.49 ± 0.17 g per 100 g). Despite its bland taste, this species possessed significantly greater fat (14.50 ± 0.16%) and fibre (12.30 ± 0.14%) content. Durio dulcis exhibited a significantly greater carbohydrate content (29.37-30.60%), and its intense smell was attributed to its low protein content (2.03-2.04%). Indigenous durians offer substantial percentages of daily mineral intake, with 100 g servings providing approximately 15.71-26.80% of potassium, 71.72-86.52% of phosphorus, 9.33-27.31% of magnesium, and sufficient trace minerals. The vibrant flesh colours of yellow-, orange- and red-fleshed Durio graveolens and Durio kutejensis show high levels of ascorbic acid (31.41-61.56 mg 100 g-1), carotenoids (976.36-2627.18 µg 100 g-1) and antioxidant properties, while Durio dulcis and Durio oxleyanus, despite their dull flesh, contained high phenolic (67.95-74.77 mg GAE 100 g-1) and flavonoid (8.71-13.81 QE mg 100 g-1) levels. These endeavours provide a deeper understanding of the nutritional richness of wild edible durians, thereby supporting commercialization and conservation efforts.

Recent progresses and challenges in colloidal quantum dot light-emitting diodes: a focus on electron transport layers with metal oxide nanoparticles and organic semiconductors.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are highly promising for display technologies due to their distinctive optical characteristics, such as tunable emission wavelengths, narrow emission spectra, and superb photoluminescence quantum yields. Over the last decade, both academic and industrial research have substantially advanced quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) technology, primarily through the development of higher-quality QDs and more refined device structures. A key element of these advancements includes progress in the electron transport layer (ETL) technology, with metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles (NPs) like ZnO and ZnMgO emerging as superior choices due to their robust performance. Nevertheless, scalability challenges, such as particle agglomeration and positive aging, have prompted research into organic semiconductors that match the performance of MO NPs. This review aims to provide a detailed examination and comprehensive understanding of recent advances and challenges in ETLs based on both MO NPs and organic semiconductors, guiding future commercialization efforts for QLEDs.

FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF A RURAL-BASED ENTREPRENEURIAL UNIVERSITY: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

This study aims to identify the key initiatives that should characterize a rural-based higher education institution experimenting with the entrepreneurial university concept in South Africa. Using an exploratory case study design, primary data was collected from key stakeholders and analysed using Atlas-ti v8 software for thematic analysis and inferential statistics through IBM SPSS Amos v27. The results generated five fundamental tenets - entrepreneurial knowledge-building that resonates with practical skills, enterprise formation/commercialization, integration of indigenous entrepreneurship concepts, embedding resourceful stakeholders in the value chain, and engaged scholarship. The findings indicate that integrating indigenous concepts is aligned with the development of entrepreneurial knowledge-building and commercialization efforts; together, these tenets promise a successful rural-based entrepreneurial university in the study area, although stakeholder engagement and community partnership are also crucial components for success. In the context of this study, the concept of a rural-based entrepreneurial university is oriented towards inclusive economic development, social relevance, and mutual benefit, in contrast to profit-driven models seen in many entrepreneurial universities worldwide. These findings provide valuable insights for policy and research, paving the way for developing an index to guide rural-based universities in South Africa and beyond. It is recommended that the University of Venda, where this study was conducted, integrates the key findings into its strategic plans and utilizes them effectively to advance its entrepreneurial university aspirations.

Analyses of University Research Commercialization in Underdeveloped Countries: A Case Study of North Macedonia

This study explores a significant research gap concerning university research commercialization within developing economies, with a specific focus on North Macedonia as a representative case. Employing a novеl and rеplicablе mеthodological approach that combinеs in-dеpth qualitativе intеrviеws with rеsеarchеrs and comprеhеnsivе quantitativе data analysis, thе study providеs a uniquе and comprеhеnsivе analysis of thе factors influеncing rеsеarch commеrcialization in this spеcific contеxt. The research extends its scope beyond the identification of key strengths, such as high research productivity, by also delineating critical weaknesses that impede commercialization efforts. To addrеss thе wеaknеssеs, thе study proposеs concrеtе and actionablе rеcommеndations, including targеtеd proof-of-concеpt grants, еnhancеd еducation on intеllеctual propеrty and commеrcialization stratеgiеs, strеngthеnеd tеchnology transfеr officе capabilitiеs, and intеnsifiеd collaboration with thе privatе sеctor. This study addrеssеs this crucial gap by invеstigating thе factors influеncing univеrsity rеsеarch commеrcialization in North Macеdonia, a rеprеsеntativе casе of a dеvеloping еconomy. This rеsеarch not only еnrichеs thе acadеmic discoursе on univеrsity еntrеprеnеurial еcosystеms in non-wеstеrn contеxts but also offеrs valuablе insights applicablе to othеr dеvеloping еconomiеs. By prеsеnting a rеplicablе framеwork for еvaluating univеrsity rеsеarch commеrcialization еfforts on a global scalе, thе study analyses univеrsity rеsеarch commеrcialization, particularly within dеvеloping еconomiеs. Thе study's mеthodological approach, combining qualitativе insights and analytical survеy tеchniquеs, offеrs a rеplicablе tеmplatе for еxamining univеrsity еcosystеms.

Recent advances in hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell Technologies with an emphasis on inventions, innovations, and commercialization

The future is bright for hydrogen as a clean, mobile energy source to replace petroleum products. This paper examines new and emerging technologies for hydrogen production, storage and conversion and highlights recent commercialization efforts to realize its potential. Also, the paper presents selected notable patents issued within the last few years. There is no shortage of inventions and innovations in hydrogen technologies in both academia and industry. While metal hydrides and functionalized carbon-based materials have improved tremendously as hydrogen storage materials over the years, storing gaseous hydrogen in underground salt caverns has also become feasible in many commercial projects. Production of “blue hydrogen” is rising as a method of producing hydrogen in large quantities economically. Although electric/battery powered vehicles are dominating the green transport today, innovative hydrogen fuel cell technologies are knocking at the door, because of their lower refueling time compared to EV charging time. However, the highest impact of hydrogen technologies in transportation might be seen in the aviation industry. Hydrogen is expected to play a key role and provides hope in transforming aviation into a zero-carbon emission transportation over the next few decades.

Technology Transfer Centers as Support Instruments for SMEs—Comparative Analysis of Poland and Malaysia

The goal of the paper is to compare technology transfer centers in Poland and Malaysia. Therefore, the authors decided to use the comparative analysis method. The findings show that technology transfer and commercialization efforts both in Poland and Malaysia are on the right track. This demonstrates the universities’ persistent dedication to turning research and innovative ideas into concrete products, as seen by the university’s sustained growth in total product commercialization. It emphasizes the critical role that they play in promoting technological transfers, particularly for SMEs. The paper contributes to the macroeconomics theory in the area of public policy. Furthermore, it also provides insights into the theory of incentives, particularly in the field of non-financial support. The findings could be of interest to policymakers on macro and micro levels.

Visualization of surgical maneuvers using intraoperative real-time volumetric optical coherence tomography.

Ophthalmic microsurgery is traditionally performed using stereomicroscopes and requires visualization and manipulation of sub-millimeter tissue structures with limited contrast. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging modality that can provide high-resolution, depth-resolved cross sections, and has become a valuable tool in clinical practice in ophthalmology. While there has been substantial progress in both research and commercialization efforts to bring OCT imaging into live surgery, its use is still somewhat limited due to factors such as low imaging speed, limited scan configurations, and suboptimal data visualization. In this paper we describe, to the best of our knowledge, the translation of the fastest swept-source intraoperative OCT system with real-time volumetric imaging with stereoscopic data visualization provided via a heads-up display into the operating room. Results from a sampling of human anterior segment and retinal surgeries chosen from 93 human surgeries using the system are shown and the benefits that this mode of intrasurgical OCT imaging provides are discussed.

Assessment of Current Blue Energy Technologies and Their Potential Applications on Romanian Water Resources

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of unconventional renewable and sustainable energy production options by tapping into the energy associated with the natural tendency to cancel salinity gradients that occur when salt water and fresh water come into contact. Furthermore, this paper assesses the potential for generating blue energy in Romania by examining historical data on flow rates from relevant fresh water sources, such as the Danube River, and the salt loading of potential receiving water bodies, including salt lakes, and the Black Sea. In addition, this study briefly references pilot-level technologies for blue energy production in other countries, including Norway, Japan, and the European Union. Based on literature data, this paper highlights the most important technological methods with applicative potential for harnessing energy from salinity gradients. The performances and limitations of these methods have been presented, acknowledging that despite recent years of advancements in materials and technologies, large-scale implementation and commercialization efforts are still limited. The analyzed data reveals that Romania possesses substantial potential blue energy resources for both large capacity installations, such as the Danube River-Black Sea with a potential achievable capacity of about 50 MW, as well as smaller capacity devices situated around saline lakes and salt deposits. This study concludes that Romania has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its vast blue energy potential and drive sustainable energy development.

The effect of configurational entropy on acoustic emission of P2-type layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) see intensive research and commercialization efforts, aiming to establish them as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Among the reported cathode material families for SIBs, Na-deficient P2-type layered oxides are promising candidates, benefiting from fast sodium diffusion and therefore high charge/discharge rates. However, upon sodium extraction at high potentials, a transition from the P2 to O2 phase occurs, with the corresponding change in cell volume resulting in particle fracture and capacity degradation. A possible solution to this is to increase configurational entropy by introducing more elements into the transition-metal layer (so-called high-entropy concept), leading to some kind of structural stabilization. In this work, the acoustic emission (AE) of a series of P2-type layered oxide cathodes with increasing configurational entropy [Na0.67(Mn0.55Ni0.21Co0.24)O2, Na0.67(Mn0.45Ni0.18Co0.24Ti0.1Mg0.03)O2 and Na0.67(Mn0.45Ni0.18Co0.18Ti0.1Mg0.03Al0.04Fe0.02)O2] is recorded during SIB operation and correlated to the materials properties, namely change in c lattice parameter and cracking behavior. A structure-property relationship between entropy, manifested in the extent of phase transition, and detected AE is derived, supported by the classification of signals by peak frequency. This classification in combination with microscopy imaging allows to distinguish between inter- and intragranular fracture. Relatively more intergranular and less intragranular crack formation is observed with increasing configurational entropy.