Commercialization of University Research in Canada: What Can We Do Better?

Abstract

In 2011/2012, Canada spent about CAN$11.5 billion on research and development in the higher education sector, which is about one-third of total R&D activities in Canada. There is no doubt that Canadian universities have played an important role in knowledge generation. At the same time Canada has been lagging in terms of how fast the generated knowledge is translated into economically and socially beneficial products and processes. This paper draws upon the interviews with technology transfer officers and life-science faculty at nine Canadian universities. The government and institutional initiatives to promote commercialization of research are discussed and hindrances to mobilization of university research are identified.