 |
Volume 2, Issue 1 |
By R.W. Trewyn, President, Kansas State University Research Foundation, and Vice Provost of Research & Dean of the Graduate School, Kansas State University
The mission of state land grant universities traditionally has included education, research, and service components that address not only the diverse needs of the state's citizenry, but also those of the global community. Historically, universities have fulfilled their mission through scholarly works and open publication.
From World War II forward, the nature of science and engineering research on university campuses changed significantly. Federally funded research increased substantially, and research focus areas were defined by federal agency missions for the purpose of providing solutions to perceived national problems.
Passage of the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980 had a profound impact on the disposition of intellectual property arising form federally-sponsored university research. Prior to the Act, patent ownership resided with the federal government. Under Bayh-Dole, universities are not only permitted to take title to inventions, but they are required to be diligent in seeing that the patents are licensed and that the products and services of the inventions become items of commerce. Bayh-Dole further stipulates that where practicable, preferential consideration should be given to small businesses.
Today, most research universities have established technology transfer organizations. These range in size from one-person operations to offices with over fifty technology transfer specialists. Interestingly, K-State organized its technology transfer operation well over half a century ago in 1942, as the Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF).
Even in its most successful manifestation, university technology transfer activities provide only modest revenue streams relative to the overall university research funding. So why engage in such activities at all? First of all, it is a requirement of the Bayh-Dole Act. Acceptance of federal research support includes an obligation of diligence with respect to inventions. More importantly, faculty and student engagement in the invention process and technology transfer actives has many positive features beyond simple financial considerations.
Students. Upon graduation, many of K-State's students will join firms that place a high value on and have a high reliance on intellectual property protection. Having had practical experience can enhance a student's ability to compete for employment and to perform to high standards while on the job.
The Faculty. Faculty who complement their traditional activities with intellectual property pursuits can benefit in several ways. Benefits can include i) accessing new private sector funding opportunities, ii) understanding new, commercially important scientific and engineering problems, iii) seeing the benefits of their research endeavors applied in the "real world", iv) being able to add to the skill set that can be imparted to their students, and v) bringing new revenues to their department, the university, and themselves. Success in this area can also serve as a magnet to attract the best graduate students into a research program. While conflict of interest issues must be openly addressed, most can be managed for the benefit of all parties involved. Diligence is also required to ensure that exemplary faculty performance in the intellectual property arena is recognized on campus as positive and productive.
Community. Some inventions are most appropriately commercialized through the creation of local start-up companies. When this path is followed, not only is the community j9ob base expanded, but the quality of the newly created jobs are at the high end of the pay scale. K-State graduates who would otherwise need to leave the area, and probalby the state, will fill the majority of these jobs. Consisering that small, high tech-based companies are driving the new economy in the U.S., it should serve the local community well to foster and enhance this approach to technology commercialization at K-State.
Consumers. A professionally conducted university technology transfer process ultimately makes it more likely that the results of research will actually be developed and brought to the marketplace to meet real consumer needs. That's what a land grant university is supposed to do.
