One of the most important, yet initially inconspicuous, challenges facing the TTO and TTO director is outreach and “in-reach”: outreach to external actors and constituencies, and in-reach (i.e., outreach to internal audiences of the institution). Both efforts are important for several reasons.
Promoting the TTO to external communities (such as economic development organizations, entrepreneurs, businesses and trade and professional associations) and engaging them is essential for supporting the innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem is vital to the success of the TTO’s entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, building a good reputation with external constituencies helps support the TTO in the hearts and minds of institutional leaders, staff, and inventors.
Promoting Tech Transfer and the TTO to internal constituencies (such as faculty, graduate students, department heads, and university leadership) is vital for many reasons. First, it enhances the quantity and quality of inventions disclosed to the TTO. Second, it fosters support among institutional groups. Promoting the value of Tech Transfer and the TTO’s mission of technology development and dissemination cultivates an institutional mindset and environment that is conducive to a sustainable and successful TTO operation. The TTO director should seek every opportunity to present to departmental, college-level and institutional meetings of faculty.
Click here for more details on strategies and activities for outreach and in-reach.