Ateneo - UPO

The course covers topics relating to the capacity and management of innovation processes, models and paradigms characterising technology transfer, principles of intellectual property, patent title, valorisation of research results, creation of business models and spin-offs.

Hockaday, T. (2020). University Technology Transfer: What it is and how to Do it. JHU Press.

The course has a twofold objective. On the one hand, to introduce students to an understanding of the mechanisms and tools of innovation and technology transfer. On the other, to generate analytical and in-depth skills in technology transfer. Furthermore, from a practical point of view, students will be asked to develop and present a business model in order to provide the basis for exploring business opportunities through the exploitation of research results (spinoff) and, in parallel, to learn how to obtain a patent, understand its requirements and learn how to manage it and what rights it gives rise to.

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Lectures with working groups and practical insights. Discussion of case studies as an example of valorisation of research results to be realised in teams with different skills and knowledge among the various members. Testimonials on technology transfer. Simulation of business models from conception to presentation.

Teachers are available for explanation and further study of the topics of the lectures. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The examination consist in the presentation of a team project to be developed during the course. It will only be possible to take this mode at the first call after the end of the course.
From the second call onwards, the examination mode will be written and will include 20 theoretical questions (multiple choices) relating to the theory of the course.

The exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Not Successful: important deficiencies and/or inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited ability to analyse and synthesise, frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental skills, the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language;
18-20: Barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topics with possible generalisations and imperfections; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgement, topics are frequently exposed in an incoherent way and with inappropriate/technical language;
21-23: Routine knowledge and understanding of topics; ability to analyse and synthesise correctly with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate/technical language;
24-26: Fair knowledge and understanding of the topics; Good analytical and synthetic skills with arguments expressed in a rigorous manner but with language that is not always appropriate/technical;
27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the topics; considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis. Good autonomy of judgement. Arguments presented in a rigorous manner and with appropriate/technical language;
30-30L: Excellent level of knowledge and thorough understanding of topics. Excellent analytical and synthetic skills and independent judgement. Arguments expressed in an original manner and with appropriate technical language.

1. Introduction to the concept of innovation, evolution of the concept of innovation, fundamental paradigms. Introduction to technology transfer models and tools. 2. Fundamentals of industrial property and hints on intellectual property (copyright) and copyright law. 3. Focus on the patent: requirements, characteristics, structure, function, legal aspects. 4. Commercial exploitation and business models 5. Business creation 6. Insight into technology transfer models in large companies, SMEs, innovative enterprises and the research world.

Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide an understanding of the mechanisms and tools of technology transfer innovation to generate societal impact. Autonomy: The course aims to make students autonomous in database management and in the creation and development of business ideas. Relational skills: At the end of the course, students will also acquire industry-specific language.