Most research universities proclaim that one of their primary goals is to quickly move early stage technologies into commercial enterprises in the effort to create economic prosperity and generate new jobs. In practice, however, many universities are trapped in a technology transfer model that promotes out-licensing practices that fall far short of expectations.

In recent publications by the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings, analysis shows that only a few universities actually generate enough revenue from their technology out-licensing efforts to cover the direct administrative costs associated with their technology transfer offices. There are only a few universities in this exclusive club.

Further analysis by SpanJump LLC shows that healthcare related technologies are the most likely to generate any substantial licensing income for universities. Typical examples include blockbuster drug discoveries and advanced medical and diagnostic devices. Yet, healthcare related technology is only a small component of university research output. What about all the other technologies created under university research – how can universities generate more activity around these technology opportunities?

One of the ideas advanced by one Brookings paper is to create a more robust entrepreneurship platform at the university level to facilitate new enterprise creation around these emerging technologies. University startups offer an energetic focus on the technology and financial incentives to the participants to advance commercialization opportunities.