Technology Transfer Mechanisms Research Articles

Compulsory licensing of trade secrets: ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines via involuntary technology transfer

This paper considers how vaccine technology to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic can be made available to increase the production of vaccines. Its primary focus is on trade secrets, which are one of the main intellectual property rights protecting the complex manufacturing processes of vaccine production. The compulsory licensing of trade secrets presents some unique obstacles and consideration is given to some practical solutions that might balance the interests of technology owners and the public interest in increased access to vaccines. In particular, this paper suggests that to make the currently discussed proposals on accelerating the production of COVID-19 vaccines, including compulsory licensing of patents and the IP waiver, work, an additional mechanism of compulsory licensing of trade secrets is required. It is believed that a proposal for a new mechanism of compulsory licensing of trade secrets coupled with a discussion on the content of such licences, challenges that would need to be addressed and the potential wording of such a licence, would provide useful guidance to governments on how to make their compulsory technology transfer mechanisms more effective.

URGENSI KOLABORASI RISET DALAM RANGKA ALIH TEKNOLOGI PENANGGULANGAN COVID-19

The coronavirus respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global public health problem. One of the main efforts to overcome this problem is research and development of technology in the health sector. This condition requires the readiness of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN), especially researchers and engineers, to increase the capacity or competence through technology transfer mechanisms in research collaboration schemes, both at the national and international levels. This study aims to find out, understand and explain two things, the urgency of research collaboration in the context of transferring COVID-19 countermeasures technology and strategic efforts to build research collaboration. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive analytical approach. The results of the study shows two things, first, that research collaboration in the context of technology transfer is significantly urgent to be implemented in order to encourage researchers and engineers to gain new knowledge about technology in the health sector, and second, strategic efforts that can be implemented by collaborating with researchers and engineers of credible research institutions in the health sector, and have implemented an open science policy which will significantly assist the technology transfer process without being constrained by intellectual property issues.

Situation-oriented System of Technology Transfer Methods in the Agricultural Sector of the Economy

In the article, the authors schematically depict the process of functioning of a situation-oriented system of technology transfer methods in the agricultural sector of the economy. Indicators of domestic expenditures on research and development in Russia, as well as exports of high-tech goods from Russia, China, Japan, the United States, Germany and France are presented. As a set of methods of technology transfer proposed by us to create a situation-oriented system, we consider: the method of forming an intensive market interaction of economic entities based on information and telecommunications technologies, the method of introducing innovations based on the accumulation of additive technologies, the method of transforming information products and services into an autonomous component of the domestic agricultural economy. The scientific foundations of the development of situational modelling in relation to the formation of technology transfer are revealed. It is concluded that it is necessary to actively develop the mechanism of technology transfer in modern agriculture based on the consolidation of information resources of state structures, specialized organizations, innovation centers of cities and regions into a single network and its further integration into European networks.

‘Africa’s China’: Chinese manufacturing investment in Nigeria and channels for technology transfer

ABSTRACT Nigeria has been one of the primary destinations for Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, with emerging clusters in manufacturing sectors. FDI holds potential for technology transfer processes that can foster wider industrialization and structural transformation, but this depends on the development of local linkages that can foster positive spillovers. Through fieldwork and structured survey methods, this paper examines drivers of Chinese outward investment in Nigeria, particularly from 2014 to 2017, highlighting linkages and mechanisms of technology transfer that may catalyze transformation processes and taking a critical view of their potential. I find that, while cases of technology and skills transfer exist, investing firms face challenges of poor infrastructure, lack of skills, and low social trust, which hinder the development of linkages and industrial supply chains. In the wake of the 2014 economic recession, firms cited political and exchange rate instability as challenging; however, greater localization and building local linkages make firms better prepared to weather such challenges.

Evaluation of ‘learning’ as a main thrust in transferor–transferee relationships: Small satellite technology transfer collaborative projects between developed and developing countries – The case of Algeria

This article focuses on the transferor–transferee relationship in the context of technology transfer collaborative projects between developed and developing countries. The case of the Algerian satellite industry, which utilized three small satellite collaborative projects with foreign companies over twenty years in order to acquire technology from abroad, has been used as an empirical study. The study evaluates transferor–transferee relationships when small satellite collaborative projects are used as a technology transfer mechanism. It assesses whether technology transfer effectiveness or ‘learning’ is mutually understood by the two key transferor and transferee actors. It identifies a potential schism when transferor motives are often economic (business-oriented) whilst transferee motives are non-economic, aiming to learn and develop local capabilities for national developmental objectives. The study reveals that this initial non-alignment of objectives led to the adoption of a transfer mechanism where learning is not the main thrust. The principal finding extrapolated from this research is that this inadequacy is rooted in the fact that Algerians had not clearly dissociated the objective of ‘satellite technological learning’ from that of ‘satellite applications’. Recommendations for future research include the need to clearly prioritize the objective of ‘technological learning’ to avoid confusion as to the transfer mechanisms to adopt.

Socioeconomic Impacts of University–Industry Collaborations–A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model

University–industry collaborations create socioeconomic impacts for the areas where they are undertaken. Although these collaborations have recognized importance and a high potential to generate economic and social benefits, there is no consensus in the literature on a consolidated conceptual model for assessing their socioeconomic impacts. Given this scenario, this study reviews 94 studies on the socioeconomic impact of university–industry collaborations using a context–intervention–mechanism–outcomes configuration. The impacts identified in the systematic literature review are classified into: (1) economic, (2) social, and (3) financial. The systematic literature review also indicates that the impact of collaborations can change the context and enhance the mechanisms of technology transfer. From a theoretical viewpoint, this work contributes to the structuring of a conceptual model for assessing the socioeconomic impacts of university–industry collaborations. In addition, the results have contributions for management in each strand of the triple helix: they may be useful to guide universities and companies on how to assess the socioeconomic impacts of each collaboration, direct public agents in the evaluation of results of investments, and support the development of policies for innovation and technology management.

Academic Spin-Offs and the benefits generated by startups developed Through University-Companies cooperation in Brazil

Startups developed through academic Spin-offs foster the development of products and processes inside and outside the innovation ecosystem that originated them and have become an important research topic with regard to Technology Transfer mechanisms and University-Company cooperation. Therefore, the objective of this article was to bring up information that could contribute to the discussion on academic spin-offs, startups and the benefits initially generated by this cooperation. The adopted methodology was the exploratory descriptive, aiming the perception in the literature used in some arguments and data that would help the understanding of this relationship. In view of this, the results show us that there is a large number of qualified personnel within these firms and that this intellectual capital cooperates with the positive impact on a country's economic and social development.

Organizational forms of technology transfer in the innovative process

Problem setting. There are many theoretical and applied developments in the world on the optimal mechanisms for technology transfer and commercialization of innovations. All of them are relevant and deserve attention in a particular case. All of them include such elements as the developer and customer of the technology, the innovative product, the system of relations between the parties to the technological agreement, government regulation. Accordingly, choosing the method of commercialization or form of technology transfer has various economic and legal consequences. Target of research. The purpose of this article is to study the analysis of systematization of types and organizational forms of technology transfer technology transfer. Аnalysis of recent researches and publications. The issues of classification of types, forms of technology transfer and features of technology transfer agreements have been revealed in the research of many scientists. V. N. Shcheblikin and A. C. Ershov argued that the forms of technology transfer should include, in particular, vertical and horizontal. But most scientists consider them as types of technology transfer, such as O. O. Plakhotnik and V. Ya. Shoemaker. The latter in his article identified that the forms and types of technology transfer should be separated by providing a meaningful classification of species. He noted only the main points regarding the forms of technology transfer. Problematic issues of contractual aspects of technology transfer were revealed in the study of B. M. Paduchak on the classification of agreements in the field of technology transfer and significant issues of these agreements, V. M. Kryzhna, who drew attention to the terms of the agreement on the transfer of know-how, Yu. S. Panina, separated the franchise agreement from the agreement on the transfer of know-how. V. D. Mekheda noted the peculiarities of the engineering contract and Y. M. Kapitsa, who noted that an engineering contract can be concluded in the field of technology transfer. Article’s main body. Technology transfer can be considered in two main forms: as a process of technology transfer without concluding an agreement between the subjects of the innovation process (information transfer); as a process of technology transfer from one entity to another under the terms of a contract concluded between them at the legal level. If we interpret the term “form”, it is a type, structure, way of organizing something; the external manifestation of a phenomenon associated with its essence, content. Hence, the form of technology transfer should be interpreted, in particular, as a way of organization. Thus, vertical and horizontal; corporate, regional, national and transnational (international) technology transfer; commercial and non-commercial technology transfer are types of technology transfer. In our opinion, organizational or commercial forms of international and domestic transfer should be defined as: purchase and sale of licenses in circulation in the technology market (economic and legal basis of this is a patent as a security document, license agreement (or license); transfer of scientific development on the basis of franchising, transfer of scientific development on the basis of know-how agreement, transfer of scientific development on the basis of leasing, transfer of scientific development on the basis of engineering, transfer of property rights to technologies and their components in exchange of scientific and technical results. Conclusions and prospects for the development. In essence, according to certain categories, the following typesof technology transfer are distinguished, such as: depending on the type of technology transfer, there are vertical andhorizontal technology transfer; depending on the types of innovation policy there are: corporate, regional, national andtransnational (international) technology transfer; by means of technology transfer or by commercial nature or economiccontent, technology transfer is divided into commercial and non-commercial. Based on the fact that the organizational forms of technology transfer systematized by groups, we conclude that thefirst group of forms should include those based on agreements related to the process of technology transfer, ie the implementationof property rights to technology: purchase and sale of licenses in circulation in the technology market (licenseagreement (or license); transfer of scientific developments on the basis of franchising (franchising agreement); transferof scientific developments on the basis of know-how agreement (know-how agreement). The second group should include those forms that are based on contracts, the main purpose of which is not related tothe implementation of property rights to technology, namely: the transfer of scientific developments on the basis of leasing(leasing agreement); transfer of scientific developments on the basis of engineering (engineering contract); transferof property rights to technologies and their components in the exchange of scientific and technical results on the basis ofthe activities of joint ventures (agreement on joint activities) (simple partnership agreement).

The new inclusive role of university technology transfer: Setting an agenda for further research

Universities are coming under increasing pressure to produce impact that contributes to socio-economic development. Previous studies have focused on university technology transfer (UTT) mechanisms that lead to the commercialisation of intellectual property. We find that off-late, the legitimacy of such mechanisms, owing to high-failure rates of IP-based start-ups, has come into question. Universities are being invited to widen their academic entrepreneurship (AE) practices to include other forms of knowledge transfer. The increased attention on contemporary concepts such as social entrepreneurship calls for broadening UTT performance indicators to include multiple bottom-lines. These bottom-lines should amplify the societal benefits of AE. This new emphasis raises high-level questions about the societal role of universities and UTT. The aim in this paper is to, therefore, reframe the debate on UTT processes by highlighting a revised agenda for further research. This is done by analysing the extant literature on UTT, academic entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial universities and innovation. The analysis includes a critical review of 96 peer-reviewed articles. As a result, a macro perspective is presented which highlights UTT as-a-mechanism for universities’ contribution to collective societal goals. Propositions are outlined for future research; these can be used for developing new understanding on how universities can actively contribute to socio-economic development agendas.

Technology transfer of the military-industrial complex as a factor in increasing the science intensity of the civilian industry

The high innovation potential of the Russian military-industrial complex can become a source of technology for the civilian industry. In the context of the diversification of the military-industrial complex, the development of an effective technology transfer can become one of the key elements in building a competitive Russian economy. The article contains a diagram of the mechanism for the innovative technology development and transfer between the military and civilian sectors. On the basis of this method, it is possible to build effective schemes for technology transfer and exchange and joint work of the military and civilian industries. The emergence of a technology broker, as an intermediary between the military-industrial and civilian complexes, will accelerate the development of active information and scientific exchange between these sectors, will make it possible to bring technologies to its implementation faster, and industries become more knowledge-intensive. Integration of the military and civilian sectors will help to reduce the technological gap within the country, lagging behind the world level.

Impact of Technology Incubation Programme in Promoting Entrepreneurship in Nigeria

Technology incubators are economic development tools used for promoting the concept of growth through innovation and application of technology, support economic development strategies for small business development. It encourage growth from within local economies, while also providing a mechanism for technology transfer. Incubation is the provision of temporary support to start-up enterprises through the delivery of complex services and special environment with the aim of improving their chances of survival in the early phase of the life span and establishing their later intensive growth. Many Incubation Centres were established to influence and promote entrepreneurship thereby adding to economy of a country. However, the established incubation centres need to be evaluated to measure the effectiveness of the incubation programme in promoting entrepreneurship. In this research, we investigate the added value of Technology Incubation to the growth and development of Entrepreneurship, measuring the role of Technology Incubator thereby, finding out the effectiveness of Technology Incubation Centres in the development of Entrepreneurship in Nigeria. We use questionnaires as a tool for data collection. The result from the respondents of the questionnaires shows that Technology Incubation Centre contribute to the development and growth of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Most of the entrepreneurs make use of the service of the Technology Incubation Centre. The incubation centres also carried out various program and initiative toward the development of entrepreneurs and also involving them with socio-economic development programs.

The brokering role of technology transfer offices within entrepreneurial ecosystems: an investigation of macro–meso–micro factors

Previous studies have identified the importance of entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems, however, few have considered in an integrated multi-level way, the key influencing factors on technology transfer mechanisms within these ecosystems. In particular, none have considered such factors from a technology transfer office (TTO) perspective. To address this gap, this research examines how macro–meso–micro factors shape the role of TTOs within an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Taking an in-depth exploratory approach set in the New Zealand context, data for this study was collected over two time periods, 4 years apart, and included inputs from all eight university TTO offices. Incorporating the perspective of TTO executives, our study unearths novel insights on a range of macro, meso and micro factors influencing their office, and how TTOs respond by synthesizing and balancing these factors across levels. The primary contribution of our research is extending the framing of TTO executives as typically portrayed in the literature, beyond important intermediaries between universities and industry, to pivotal cross-level brokers within entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.

Development of a mobile application to control Brucellosis and its effect in Knowledge gain among the commercial dairy farmers of Northern India

Quick and timely dissemination of technological information from the agricultural research system to grassroots level and farmers’ reaction in the form of feedback to the research system is one of the most critical inputs in technology transfer. Information and Communication Technology plays an important and crucial role where its potential can be exploited to strengthen the linkage amongst research and extension system. In this context, mobile application was developed on brucellosis prevention in dairy animals and it was tested for its effectiveness in terms of knowledge gain by the commercial dairy farmers (n=60) from six district of Haryana and Punjab states. The study revealed that, the overall mean knowledge gain on Brucellosis in dairy animals through mobile application was effective (p< 0.01) in terms of knowledge gain among the commercial dairy farmers (17.65). Pearson’s correlation analysis of socio-demographic profile with knowledge gainrevealed that knowledge gain through Mobile application on brucellosis was positively and significantly correlated with education, landholding, income, herd size, milk production and experience in dairy farming at 5 % level of significance. It is evident from this study that Information Communication Technologies plays significant role in knowledge gain and empowerment of dairy farmers and hence still more institutional intervention, support and innovation is required in developing such technology transfer mechanisms in developing countries like India.

Technology transfer tools and mechanisms

In the context of the need for sustainable development of the national economy and joining the group of leading countries — technology suppliers, the organization of a technology transfer system, which ensures the transition of the results of innovative activities from the stage of scientific research to the stage of practical application, becomes one of the most important tools for the scientific and technological development of the country. Technology transfer is a rather complex system with a sufficient variety of participants and resources, which are the “tool of the initiative and communication plan” that promote and are necessary for continuous innovation in the modern economy. The tools and mechanisms of technology transfer are discussed in the article, a model for the implementation of international technology transfer in UkrISTEI through the Automated system for the formation of interstate information resources, the International technological platform for the technology transfer of collective use, the Interregional Office for the Transfer of Knowledge and Technologies, the Open Innovation Platform was presented; these objects are participating parts in export and import of innovative technologies and form a modern mechanism for the transfer of these technologies between countries. The process of technological transfer necessary to assess the benefits obtained as a result of technology transfer and ways to achieve these benefits has been investigated. The authors of the article presented the relevance of scientific research in the field of technological transfer, which is explained by the following reasons: effective organization of the technology transfer process contributes to an increase in the implementation of state innovation programs in relation to the modernization and innovation of the real economy; technology transfer facilitates the continuous movement of research and development results (projects) into the industrial sector of the economy; the efficiency of technological transfer makes it possible to accelerate the formation of scientific, technological and industrial ties, as well as to strengthen the position of national production in the world market of science-intensive developments.

What influences the dynamics of technology licensing in academia The case of Spanish universities

University licensing, a technology transfer mechanism that has received less attention in the literature despite its relevance, was examined. Specifically, we explored the combined effect of human capital, research experience, and knowledge stock on licensing. We assumed that universities follow different patterns according to their internal strategy and resources. In order to deeper explore our results, we also investigated which combinations of the above factors led to the absence of licensing. To do so we used qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Sample included 39 Spanish public universities with on-campus education. Our results suggest that universities should strive to achieve a good mix of quality and quantity in terms of human capital and research experience in order to be active in licensing. Surprisingly, knowledge stock is rather irrelevant. We observe that subject-mix plays a role, as technical universities are more prone to generate licences.

What influences the dynamics of technology licensing in academia The case of Spanish universities

University licensing, a technology transfer mechanism that has received less attention in the literature despite its relevance, was examined. Specifically, we explored the combined effect of human capital, research experience, and knowledge stock on licensing. We assumed that universities follow different patterns according to their internal strategy and resources. In order to deeper explore our results, we also investigated which combinations of the above factors led to the absence of licensing. To do so we used qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Sample included 39 Spanish public universities with on-campus education. Our results suggest that universities should strive to achieve a good mix of quality and quantity in terms of human capital and research experience in order to be active in licensing. Surprisingly, knowledge stock is rather irrelevant. We observe that subject-mix plays a role, as technical universities are more prone to generate licences.

Innovative entrepreneurship as an effective mechanism of technology transfer in Israel

In the article, the authors revealed how the transfer of technology from the university to business is carried out and the “gap at the development level” is bridged in Israel. The policy, models, and principles in the field of technology transfer, mechanisms of stimulating the technology transfer by researchers to business are analyzed, it’s studied how the entrepreneurial initiative of the Israeli research institutions is implemented. There are several ways to support technology transfer. One of them is targeted programs aimed at stimulating the interaction of the scientific community and business, carried out on the initiative of the government, represented by the Office of the Chief Scientist and with his financial support. Another mechanism for encouraging the technology transfer by researchers to business is tax exemption. In most cases, an entrepreneurial initiative in the field of technology can be implemented without the full involvement of the inventor. In such cases, the licensee takes charge of the process of developing the technology and product. Models of researcher participation in the implementation of entrepreneurial initiative in the field of technology, as a rule, are implemented in one of the following ways: a) issuing a license for innovative technology to a company engaged in the relevant industry; b) licensing of a startup, which is created due to the invention of technology. In Israel, there are three sectors of R&amp;D, each of which operates independently of one another and forms its own policy in the field of technology transfer by public research institutes to business. Successful technology transfer mechanisms have been created in the scientific environment that serve the interests of universities and society and do not require intervention from the regulator. The commercial sector works for the benefit of business with the financial and other support of the regulator, represented by the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Commerce.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ РІЗНОВИДІВ ВЕНЧУРНИХ СТРУКТУР В УМОВАХ АКТИВІЗАЦІЇ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

Introduction. Venture business is one of the most dynamic and promising direction of the innovative development, the risky business, which is the main form of technological innovation, is characteristic of the conditions of the commercialization of research results in knowledge-intensive industries, increasing the risk of investment in innovation. Current trends the functioning of the economic systems confirm their high rate of the development due to the intensity of innovation processes. Venture structures that produce capital, which is a decomposition of financial and intellectual used to develop and implement high-tech products that are in their infancy, are important today. Venture is an extremely important source of equity for start-ups. Therefore, there is a need and feasibility of classification of the structures and the study of their features of organization and functioning in accordance with types of the on the basis classification. The great importance for improving the viability of small and medium enterprises is the system of organization of the access of these firms to the mechanism of technology transfer and the results of the scientific developments in production on the basis of their cooperation with large companies. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the essence of the capital, to determine its types and features. Formation of the peculiarities of the organization and functioning of the business entities in accordance with the types of the capital. Research of concept of venture business structure, the implementation of the classification of varieties and groups in terms of intensification of the innovation, the characteristics of varieties and groups. Defining the role and importance of the business structures in terms of intensification of the innovation. Results. The concept of capital has been studied, its forms and features have been defined, the essence of the concept of the as a complex economic category has been revealed, its varieties and features of functioning have been investigated. The peculiarities of the organization and functioning of the business entities in accordance with the types of the by classification criteria have been defined and presented in tabular form. Common and distinctive features have been revealed. Peculiarities of the business functioning as a risky business in the context of formal and informal market segments have been studied. The concept of venture business has been studied. Requirements for the formation of the business structures have been formed. The classification of varieties and groups of the business structures in the conditions of intensification of innovative activity is presented, the varieties and groups has been characterized. Originality. According to the segments of the market, the peculiarities of the organization and functioning of the business entities in accordance with the types of the have been formed. The requirements for the formation of a business structure have been studied and outlined. To classify structures as full-fledged and incomplete has been proposed. The classification of types of structures has been further developed on the basis of the peculiarities of the organization and functioning of the business entities in accordance with the types of the capital. According to the classification of varieties of the structures, the presented structures have been characterized. Conclusion. Venture business today is an important form of the financing innovative projects, which not only stimulates the development of the innovation processes in the enterprise at the micro level, but also has a positive impact on the innovation market in general, macro level: increases competition, stimulates staff professionalism and promotes scientific and industrial equal. Venture business plays a milestone in the most promising areas of the technological development, and attracting the serves as a signal to market stakeholders about the possibility of high returns on investment, which redistributes total in favor of the most promising sectors of the economy. The modern economy is unstable, so the acceleration of innovation is the basis of its development. Scientific and technological progress does not bypass almost any area of the economic life, and the peculiarity of modern highly competitive markets is the modernization and improvement of the technology, focus on continuous development, production and sale, use of the modern approaches to management which is possible today due to significant investments in innovations to ensure state economic security. Venture business forms the new ideas about values and business ethics, promotes the formation of the new models of organization of activities, while increasing the importance of personal initiative and creativity. Venture stimulates competition, pushing corporations to increase innovation activity, which increases the innovation capacity and competitiveness of the economy as a whole.

A Review of Agricultural Technology Transfer in Africa: Lessons from Japan and China Case Projects in Tanzania and Kenya

Agricultural technology transfer plays a chief role in transforming agricultural productivity in rural areas especially in the current setting where food demand surpasses the production capacity. Technology transfer facilitates the movement of soft and hard skills essential for improving farm production. Yet, the technical cooperation projects in Africa have been suffering from effectiveness and sustainability challenges while lacking responsiveness to local demand. This study applies a system dynamic method and a literature review to bring lessons from Japan and China’s experiences in agricultural technology transfer projects to Africa. Three cases in agricultural technical cooperation projects are presented: China—(Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center (ATDC) in Tanzania), Japan—(Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Project (SHEP), and Rice Industry Development Support (RIDS) in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively). Japanese and Chinese agricultural technology has the potential to improve productivity and the livelihood of rural households. Nevertheless, strong linkages, commitment, and participation of all stakeholders in the design and implementation of agricultural technology transfer projects play an important role in enhancing project sustainability in the recipient countries. Further studies are recommended such as, to explain the agricultural technology transfer mechanism that fits well to equip beneficiary autonomy in terms of knowledge and capacity of production in the recipient country. The local governments need to set policy environments and institutional frameworks that encourage and support the agricultural technology transfer to benefit the rural farmers.

Technology transfer at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology

Abstract This article analyzes the interrelationship among technology transfer mechanisms using data specific to the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). An overview of the history of NIST and US policies that emphasize the economic importance of technology transfer are discussed. The empirical analysis focuses on NIST investments in research and development (R&amp;D) and the cascading impact of those investments on new inventions disclosed, new patent applications, new patents issued and new patent licenses; and accounting for the effects of R&amp;D on these three investments, an overall estimate of the R&amp;D elasticity of new patent licenses is calculated to be 0.7976. The article concludes with a policy-focused summary of the implications of the empirical findings, and a suggested road map for future research related to technology transfer from US federal laboratories.