Technology Transfer Challenges Between Academia and the Biotechnology Industry

Abstract

The pursuit of commercializing a novel drug from the technology identified in academia and then transferred to the biotechnology industry for commercialization is a complex endeavor. It faces many technical, managerial, legislative and personnel challenges to overcome. Technology transfers usually occur between two facilities within the same industry since similar practices are shared. However, technology transfers between a university and a biotechnology company involves a more complex structure with unlike processes. Due to this complexity, multiple challenges have arisen that have made technology transfers even more difficult between academia and the biotechnology industry. Pressures have also increased to have success in technology transfers to produce more successful technology transfer deals. Through analyzing specific technology transfer case studies as well as conducting interviews with academia and biotechnology industry experts, we analyze the challenges that are faced with technology transfers between academia and the biotechnology industry. We determined common trends and concepts found in the case studies and discussed common themes in the interviews regarding the challenges of technology transfers. By this, we have determined some recommendations and considerations that could help improve the technology transfer process between academia and the biotechnology industry. These recommendations and considerations are not novel ideas but can provide some clarity and guidance for success in technology transfers.