Recommendations to improve technology transfer in Spanish universities

In their aim to create links between universities and businesses, the Conference of Social Councils (CCS) and the Network of University – Business Foundations (REDFUE) have drawn up a document offering Recommendations to improve Technology Transfer in Spanish Universities.

This study analyses how Spanish universities are currently transferring their technological progress and knowledge to the world of business and how this is done in some other countries. It then makes a series of recommendations to universities and other agents in the system for the Transfer of Technology and Knowledge (TTyC). These recommendations outline actions for improving and optimising the system for transferring technology and for promoting the so-called ‘entrepreneurial university’.

Creation of a Technology Portfolio for each University
These lines of action include providing the technology transfer units in each university with a network of transfer agents to assist enterprises and researchers throughout the process, especially at the stage when the technology is placed on the market during which they act as mediators. The aim is also to create a Technology Portfolio for each university so that the assets of most interest can be marketed nationally or internationally, in line with opportunities available in other markets.

SPTO collaboration
The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office collaborated in the study, stressing the importance of a culture on Industrial and Intellectual Property in universities, as this is essential for proper protection of innovations and for marketing the results of research both nationally and internationally. Proper protection enhances the value of new knowledge.