Managing intellectual property and technology commercialization: Comparison and analysis of practices, success stories and lessons learned from public research universities in developing Asia

Abstract

Increasing expectations have been placed on enhancing government-sponsored research and optimizing the potentials of intellectual property (IP) – one of several channels for transferring knowledge and technology – by academic and research institutions for economic development opportunities. This paper presents three case studies from public research universities in developing countries in Asia – China; India; and the Philippines – which offer innovative approaches to managing IP and technology commercialization initiatives for broad societal benefit. Despite variations in research capacity, economic environments, technology and industry relations, these examples suggest that with the right combination of policies, management support, people and partnerships, it is possible to enhance the public mission by careful management of IP and the technology commercialization process. These cases are purposely drawn to acknowledge the effort of the three universities as early examples that IP management and technology commercialization programs can work and can be done by government-funded institutions in developing countries; to share and learn from their success and experiences; and to catalyze similar efforts throughout developing Asia.