1.3.1 Building Relationships with Faculty, Staff and Students
At any PSRI, the faculty, staff, and students are the creators and discoverers of the inventions that make the Tech Transfer process possible. Above all else, the TTP should nurture the flow of inventions from these inventors/creators. That means treating each inventor or potential inventor with respect and appreciation. Similarly, that means treating each invention with due respect – since inventions are the “brainchild” of the inventor, inventors are particularly sensitive to how their invention-children are handled. Successful Tech Transfer requires teamwork between the TTP and inventors. The most successful TTPs strive to be a helpful and productive member of this invention-development team. The TTP must be seen by inventors and potential inventors as a problem-solver, and someone who is easy and pleasant to work with. The TTP should also strive to always add value to the team and the process of invention/IP development and commercialization. This will lead to more effective interactions with inventors and the private sector; more successful outcomes; improved TTP performance and a generally enhanced reputation for the TTO and Tech Transfer.
1.3.2 Managing Faculty Expectations
For many inventors, especially first-time inventors, there are often misconceptions and unrealistic expectations of the Tech Transfer process. Most new inventors do not understand the significant amount of thought, planning, and implementation needed to take an initial invention through all the stages. Furthermore, many inventors don’t understand the uncertainty that surrounds most of the phases and steps of the process. The TTP must educate inventors about what to expect in terms of timing, unexpected results, the uncertain outcome – and most importantly, the relatively high probability that the technology will not generate significant, if any, revenue. The TTP should make it clear that the primary goal is to facilitate the investment, development, implementation and dissemination of the IP-based technology.
1.3.3 Working with Inventors and Research Teams
Effective Tech Transfer requires teamwork between inventors and the TTP. Newly hired TTPs may not understand this dynamic. First, the TTP should never try to be the technical expert of the technology – that is the inventor’s role. Similarly, the TTP should be restrained when it comes to any hands-on involvement in ongoing research and development (R&D) activities. Of course, the TTP should not hesitate to provide strategic technical advice to the inventors when asked and when such advice is relevant to the Tech Transfer process. While the TTP takes an “interested observer” role in the technical work, the TTP must take the lead in all aspects of IP management, assessments of market relevance, and development of the value proposition. The TTP also leads the design and implementation of the tech marketing campaign. Finally, the TTP is the sole leader in negotiating business and related contract terms with private sector partners.
More details in this presentation.