University-industry research relationships Essay Example for Free

University-industry research relationships EssayThe growth of university-industry research relationships in biotechnology has raised questions concerning their effects, two positive and negative, on universities. A survey of over 1200 module members at 40 major universities in the United States reveals that biotechnology researchers with industrial support publish at higher rates, patent more frequently, move into in more administrative and professional activities and earn more than colleagues without such support.At the same time, faculty with industry funds are much more likely than other biotechnology faculty to depict that their research has resulted in trade secrets and that commercial considerations have influenced their choice of research projects. Although the data do not establish a causal connection between industrial support and these faculty behaviors, our findings strongly fire that university-industry research relationships have both benefits and risks for acad emic institutions. The challenge for universities is to find ways to manage these relationships that will defend the benefits while minimizing the risks.Industrial support of university research in biotechnologyA 1984 study of biotechnology companies reveals that nigh one-half of all such firms fund research in universities. Industry may support as much as one-quarter of all biotechnology research in institutions of higher education.These investments seem to be tractable substantial benefits to involved firms. Per dollar invested, university research is generating more patent applications than is other company research. Research relationships do pose some risks to traditional university values such as openness of communication among scholars. These risks may be greater in relationships involving small firms. The data also reveal that government is now, and seems likely to remain, the principal spring of support for university research in biotechnology.