Advancing University Innovation: More Must Be Expected -- More Must Be Done

John E. Tyler, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Abstract

Advancing University Innovation:

More Must Be Expected—More Must Be Done

John E. Tyler III, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

ABSTRACT

A significant volume of university research stagnates in laboratories, on shelves, and in obscurity. Many of these deserve life as later stages of research, advancing human welfare, and spurring economic growth as mandated by federal policy under the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980. Even considering the success stories, when measured against potential, much more must be expected from and more must be done by university leaders and their advisors.

Unlike other articles about Bayh-Dole or advancing university innovation, this article uniquely explores the links that should connect federal policy with the university’s vision and corresponding policies which in turn should be realized through related practices and behaviors, including those relating to conflicts of interest, intellectual property, and allocating liability.

Achieving more in pursuit of our nation’s policies can contribute meaningfully to economic growth and human welfare. This can be done by ensuring that universities operate with or develop a vision for advancing innovation that (i) complements academic and research missions and (ii) is informed by research capacities and personnel and realistic expectations about revenue potential and risk allocation. Vision alone will not produce material results. But results can follow when vision is implemented through corresponding policies and consistent behaviors that (i) pursue intellectual property strategies appropriate for the circumstances, (ii) allocate liability and risk appropriately, (iii) entice and reward researchers for disclosures and participation in advancing innovation efforts, and (iv) more fully measure and explain the results of our nation’s investment in university research.