Is Technology Transfer a Dream or a Reality?
May 12, 2017

Abstract: Recently, much attention has been devoted to the process of moving research results towards commercial exploitation in Italy and elsewhere. Interactions with corporations are encouraged via the use of sponsored research. However, successful technology transfer has been difficult at best. Unfortunately, technology transfer is often a synonym for “work for hire” where specific R&D tasks are assigned to Universities. The real goal of the “technology transfer” process should be to favor the adoption of RESEARCH results in corporations, let them be start-ups based on these results or established, profitable companies. In this respect, patience is an important ingredient for success. In the average, the first commercial use in corporations takes more than 15 years for “hardware” and more than 10 years for software. Insisting on a shorter time-line yields either poor results or poor research. I will analyze various models of technology transfer and contrast them with an eye to suggesting actionable initiatives to improve this important process.