The presentation by Jay Schrankler, delivered at the October 2012 COGR Meeting, centers on the evolving role of university technology transfer and the University of Minnesota’s strategic efforts to foster productive relationships with industry partners. It critically assesses whether universities have met expectations in terms of technology commercialization, noting that traditional goals—such as translating research into marketable products, generating revenue from royalties, and securing sponsored research funding—are often misaligned with financial realities. Data cited indicate that only a small fraction of universities achieve significant licensing income, suggesting that overemphasis on royalty generation may distort broader public interest objectives and limit research dissemination.
Schrankler proposes that closer, more collaborative partnerships between universities and industry are now essential, motivated not only by potential revenue but by the need for practical application of research, student engagement, and contributions to national competitiveness. The University of Minnesota’s initiatives, particularly the Minnesota Innovation Partnerships (MN-IP), are highlighted as innovative models designed to streamline intellectual property arrangements, reduce barriers to collaboration, and provide clear, flexible options for industry-sponsored research. By simplifying negotiations and offering predictable terms, these programs aim to make the university a preferred partner for industry, thus enhancing both commercial impact and the broader social value of academic research.
