Sudden Impact: 10 Practical Steps to Streamline Research Exploitation
Dr David Baghurst, Head of Isis Enterprise
April 2010
Research funding organisations throughout the world are turning their attention to the impact their funding has on society through the exploitation of research results. Studies have been commissioned, reports written and observations made. Due to the time lag between research funding and exploitation, and the difficulties in linking any individual research project to specific outcomes, the overriding conclusion is that it is very hard to measure impact with any degree of certainty.
Given our background in technology transfer, Isis Enterprise has been commissioned by a number of organisations across the world to evaluate research impact. When we speak to researchers who have been involved in developing new products/services a consistent message is that publishing research papers is not, on its own, sufficient for ensuring research adoption and long term impact.
In the age of information overload the chances of an individual research publication getting into the hands of someone in a position to exploit the results is diminishing. Here we offer ten practical steps which can be undertaken by researchers, or technology transfer staff, in order to maximise the chances of achieving (with apologies to Harry Callaghan, better known as “Dirty Harry” in the Clint Eastwood films ) a ‘Sudden Impact’.
- Look Backwards
What history can tell us is that exploitation of research results is hard and the key to success is finding someone with the drive to make it happen. To learn from history we recommend you find someone who has acted as an exploitation champion – the impact vigilante! – and listen to their advice.
- Look Forwards
The journey taken by individual research outputs through to new products/services can be complicated. Some innovations are subject to regulatory hurdles – others rely on the implementation of legislative changes. Understanding these factors early on can reduce the time it takes to get innovations into practice.
- 'Phone a Friend'
Being a champion of an early stage technology project is lonely. Setbacks are common and the journey to successful technology transfer is littered with dead ends. It is important to share your challenges with colleagues and get their ideas.
- Meet New People
Any commercialisation project can be viewed as a series of questions: “who can improve my prototype?”, “where can I find more funding?” Theorists have developed the concept of social capital – a measure of the power of contact networks in problem solving. If your current networks cannot help you – meet some new people.
- Publish in Trade Magazines
Generally academics read academic papers. Industrial researchers and clinicians read patents, trade magazines, clinical guidelines and some academic papers. Publish outside academic literature to increase awareness.
- Collaborate
Having found other parties interested in your project it is important that you commit to transferring your know-how. Mechanisms include research collaboration, contract research and consultancy.
- Do More Research
When research activity results in publication the temptation is to stop. However, a few selected further experiments can make an enormous difference to the prospects of getting third parties interested.
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Patent Before Publication
If taking your promising research results through to a product/service will be costly and will involve a commercial company you need to file a patent. Without the market protection associated with patent rights, no company will be prepared to invest. -
Open Sourcing
Giving technology away to get it used is a valid technology transfer mechanism in some circumstances. - Report Back
Research funding organisations get their money from other organisations. They increasingly need to demonstrate the impact of their funding. It is important to let them know of your successes.
Isis Enterprise offers advice on all aspects of research impact. For further information contact:
Dr David Baghurst, Head of Isis Enterprise
E: david.baghurst@isis.ox.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1865 280858
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