Technology transfer: a review for biomedical researchers

Abstract

Why is technology transfer important for cancer and other biomedical researchers? What do biomedical researchers need to know about technology transfer? This report will address these questions in the context of the United States technology transfer system, which is now approximately 20 years old. To accomplish this goal, this report first summarizes the importance of technology transfer and the role of intellectual property rights. Then it describes the sequential steps in technology transfer from universities to industry. Next, it describes technology transfer from the NIH intramural laboratories and other federal laboratories to industry. Finally, it describes unique aspects of technology transfer involving clinical trials. URL citations to the latest federal guidelines and regulations governing technology transfer are provided. Where appropriate, comparisons will be made with technology transfer systems in other countries. I hope that this step-by-step description of the technology transfer process will enable cancer researchers to play a more proactive role in this process and thus increase the likelihood that their discoveries will be successfully commercialized. I also hope that this report will assist such researchers to understand the policy and institutional considerations that underlie current debates concerning technology transfer.