Catalyzing Technology Development Through University Research

Research universities have traditionally been catalysts for technological innovation, particularly in new and emerging industries. Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that some of the most promising new technologies relating to climate change are being developed at research universities. In this chapter, we first summarize several modes of university technology development and licensing. Next we describe the evolution of university technology commercialization and the Bayh-Dole Act of 198\u278 which is widely credited with establishing the intellectual property structure of current university licensing and technology transfer. We then discuss some important legal and intellectual property considerations relevant to the development, commercialization and licensing of university technology