Commercializing the Laboratory: Faculty Patenting and the Open Science Environment

Commercializing the Laboratory: Faculty Patenting and the Open Science Environment
Author(s): Fabrizio, Kira and DiMinn, Alberto
Year: 2005
Paper Number: GBS-OM-2005-004
Goizueta Department: Organization and Management

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between patenting and open dissemination of research results by university faculty members. Access to university-based research knowledge is critical for the progress of cumulative science and innovation in many areas of industry. The recent increase in patenting by university researchers may be worrisome if it compromises the historically open nature of university research. Our study adds to the limited evidence on this topic with an empirical investigation based on a panel data set for a broad sample of university researchers. Results suggest that publication and patenting may be complementary, not substitute, activities for faculty members.