Training Researchers to Commercialize Research Results

Abstract

The commercialization of university research is usually handled by technology transfer officers. In this paper the authors report on the development of a training course in research commercialization for researchers themselves, who, although the most important people in the process, typically have little knowledge of this important area. The course is designed to create awareness of key topics and to introduce participants to the different concepts involved in the commercialization of knowledge – protection of intellectual property, spin-off companies, and doing with business with commercial enterprises. The pilot training courses were given in three different European locations (Leuven, Münster, Nijmegen). The authors report on participants' views of the training and suggest revisions for future courses.