Opinion: Technology transfer offices are catalysts for innovation

Technology transfer offices, or TTOs, may be one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between ideas and marketable solutions, and to scale innovation for development in low- and middle-income countries. Which is why they need proper resourcing and pathways to leverage the expertise of their staff. Ensuring proper TTO linkages within higher education institutions and with external groups from government and the private sector, along with adequate TTO resourcing can support economic growth in LMICs. In today’s rapidly changing world, innovation is essential for sustained economic growth and development. Emerging economies face a set of distinct challenges due to limited resources, instability, and volatility. These conditions present both unique opportunities and obstacles when it comes to fostering innovation. One of the key players in driving innovation within these economies is their higher education institutions. Yet, they often grapple with the task of effectively connecting academic research, innovation, and commercialization. This then impedes the vital process of turning knowledge into tangible real-world applications. The ability to transform knowledge into practical, marketable solutions is essential for economic progress in emerging economies. So, bridging this gap is not only a challenge but also a critical step toward sustainable growth and prosperity, which is where TTOs can make a big difference. How TTOs fit in with economic growth Technology transfer offices are organizations that facilitate the transfer of technology between universities, research institutions, and businesses. They play a vital role in commercializing new technologies and bringing them to market. In the global north, TTOs are well-established and robustly funded as opposed to the global south, where the TTO ecosystem is relatively new with limited resources. According to the 2021 UNCTAD Tech and Innovation Report, universities and colleges in low- and middle-income nations are vital sources of fresh research and discoveries. Countries like India, Mexico, and Kenya working their way up from low-income to middle-income status require tailored innovations to fit their country-specific dynamics that include demographic, cultural, and sociopolitical dynamics, while at the same time addressing global issues. Tertiary institutions, including universities, technical institutes, colleges, and vocational schools, play a critical role in developing practical solutions for local early adopters and in scaling innovation through commercial models. In support of this mission, as of 2022, 23% of LMICs have established formal TTOs at several tertiary institutions and we anticipate consistent growth in this figure. Usually, these economies also introduce intellectual property laws and policies to nurture innovation. Despite these efforts, there is limited evidence demonstrating a substantial increase in licensing, patenting, or the emergence of startups — often regarded as key indicators of TTO success. The crucial next steps lie in refining the multifaceted functions of TTOs and implementing strategies that enhance their operational effectiveness, ultimately igniting a more vibrant culture of innovation. Here are some areas to consider: Leveraging academic curricula and networks Depending on the TTOs’ policies, strategies, and actions, their impact can extend to the academic curriculum where they can incorporate entrepreneurial and innovation-focused modules. It is equally essential to raise awareness about the role of TTOs, with a focus on influencing institutional culture and student attitudes, ultimately driven by senior management of the academic institutions. These changes encourage collaboration across faculties while fostering a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation among students. The University of Putra Malaysia is a good example of a university that is using its TTO to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students and staff. The TTO, in collaboration with faculty members, is developing entrepreneurship modules to be incorporated in other courses. This has encouraged collaboration across faculties, and they have been successful in commercializing a number of research and innovation outputs. Tertiary institutions, through their TTOs, access entrepreneurial ecosystems encompassing incubators, accelerators, and markets. These ecosystems support startups and innovation licensing from ideation to product launch. In South Africa, Stellenbosch University's Innovus division has successfully nurtured 146 ideas, capitalizing on the institution's capabilities, alumni network, and external connections, enabling innovators and local communities to transform concepts into prosperous businesses. This not only addresses issues and creates jobs but also bolsters economic diversification, yielding extra revenue for both the institution and innovators. Connecting beyond tertiary institutions TTOs should extend their influence by leveraging their expertise, research capabilities, and educational resources to cultivate strategic partnerships with crucial industry players, including communities, other tertiary institutions, governments, and the private sector. The National University of Singapore’s Innovation Access Programme demonstrates the benefits of global collaborations with leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners. These collaborations offer funding, mentorship, and sustainable impact, vital for innovation in emerging economies, fostering diverse perspectives and approaches. The Kenya Innovation Week hosted in Nairobi also provides a platform to foster better connections. This summit convenes government leaders, investors, researchers, renowned academia and innovators. Resourcing TTOs adequately To fully operationalize TTOs and ensure sustainable innovation, proper resourcing is required. This includes adequate staffing, proper training, and reliable funding. The synergies of an experienced multidisciplinary team with expertise in intellectual property processing, legal concepts, entrepreneurship, etc. are necessary to provide support along the entire innovation chain. A TTO team also requires continuous training to keep up with the evolving dynamics of innovation. Ensuring TTOs are self-sufficient to finance their operation is therefore essential. The TTOs’ revenue streams can be created through licensing fees, offering financial facilities, provision of consulting services, and equity stakes in spinoffs. Tertiary institutions through their TTOs play a pivotal role in fostering innovation within emerging economies. Beyond their current capabilities, we can strive to enhance their functions and improve on their capabilities through proper funding, staffing, and training. This will elevate sustainable innovation and commercialization within these emerging economies, in turn playing a key role in their economic development.