Using academic technology: Transfer methods and licensing incidence in the commercialization of American diagnostic imaging equipment research, 1954–1988

Abstract

This paper reports a study of licensing incidence and technology transfer methods used between the mid 1950s and late 1980s in almost 200 cases of commercialization of American academic medical diagnostic imaging equipment. I show that methods used to transfer goods and ideas from academic researchers to corporate manufacturers are changing. Although contact between individual researchers and commercializing firms remains critically important, organization-level contact between the research institution and corporation is becoming more common. The likelihood of licensing has increased since the passage of PL 96-517 in 1980, but only in academic institutions that have established formal in-house patent and license offices. The paper also discusses several general issues relating to the role of academic patent and license offices in effective technology transfer.