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Technology transfer update

Several recent articles make it appear (or at least can be read) that academic technology transfer's sole goal is to make money. See here and here, and there are more.

It is difficult to fight the stereotypes: "When you're interested in pure science, you don't start companies. That's just not what you do.'' Many scientists are interested in seeing their work have a public impact, and one possibility for that impact is to start companies. Everyone doesn't have to start a company, but bold statements like the above seem inappropriate. There are many ways to be faculty, to be a technology transfer professional, etc.

Sometimes states seem to get it. I'd love to be in Massachusetts right now, with this legislation. Investment into a state "sales force", the technology transfer center, research, etc. But it is never as good in person as it is on paper. Note to check in on it in a few years. Or one could even be in Ireland. Gosh, who doesn't get this?

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 19:47