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How To Persuade Scientists to Collaborate With The TTO?

Science-to-Paper or Science-to-Patent, that is the question

May 6, 2024

Seeking Expert Insights for Encouraging Academic STEM Researchers to Collaborate with TTOs

Technology Transfer Experts,

I am currently exploring ways to motivate Academic STEM researchers to submit their article drafts to the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) prior to submitting them to scientific journals. The primary objective is to allow TT managers to scrutinize the content and identify potentially patentable elements.

Initially, I considered approaches such as visiting researchers in their labs for discussions, or offering courses in Intellectual Property (IP), technology-transfer, and science-to-business to foster collaboration with the TTO. While long-term awareness and education in IP/TT/Sci-to-Business are crucial, I realize that these measures alone may not alter deeply ingrained mindsets and behaviors.

I am interested in understanding the perceived risks and concerns researchers might have when submitting their draft articles to the TTO. Some potential apprehensions I've identified include:

1. The time-consuming nature of the patent application process, which may delay the publication of their research.
2. The immediate gratification of publishing an article versus the minimal impact a patent might have on their career.
3. The uncertainty of future financial gains from potential royalties negotiated by the TTO with industrial companies.

Given these challenges, I would like to learn from your experiences. How have you successfully persuaded researchers at your University or Institute to submit their draft articles to your TTO before submitting them to scientific journals?

Your Voice Matters!

I am writing a book that compiles the best practices of TTOs for the early detection of patentable elements in scientific discoveries. This book will be published as a free eBook to facilitate the diffusion of deep technology-based innovation.

If you work in a TTO and frequently face the challenge of persuading researchers to collaborate with you, or if you have successfully found a way to make researchers your strongest supporters, your insights would be highly valuable.

Similarly, if you are a researcher who consistently prioritizes publishing your work over patenting it, or if you have a practice of working closely with the TTO before submitting your research to a journal, I would greatly appreciate your perspective.

Your contributions to this topic will not only be beneficial but will also be acknowledged in my upcoming book.

I invite you to join me for a virtual coffee to discuss further. Please feel free to book a slot in my agenda:

"Science-to-Paper or Science-to-Patent, that is the question"