When we are putting together collaborations across academia and commerce, success is all about understanding priorities and aligning interests. The link below will take you to a presentation that will show you how to do this.
If you can’t play the embedded video on your computer, you can view it here:
http://prezi.com/gd9dvk9onjr7/aligning-interests-between-academia-and-commerce/
Great points, Peter. I especially appreciate the suggestion that universities create applied research funds focused on generating a return. At NC State we are in year 3 of our Chancellor’s Innovation Fund. Already, we have seen 5 commercial licenses, 2 startup companies launched and $250 K in licensing revenue returned to the university. Having the projects ranked by outside business experts with input from the tech transfer office has been a key to the success of our nascent fund.
I also like the point about startups – their job is to create a business model, not to execute on one. That comes later. Great post.