Not invented here: technology licensing, knowledge transfer and innovation based on public research

Using a new dataset encompassing more than 2,200 inventions made by Max Planck Society researchers from 1980 to 2004, we explore the way in which inventor, technology, and licensee characteristics affect the commercialization of academic inventions. We find limited evidence suggesting that domestic and external licensees outperform foreign licensees and inventor spin-offs in the commercialization of academic inventions. Controlling for selection, spin-offs are indistinguishable from external licensees. Patented technologies and inventions by senior scientists are more likely to be licensed, but patent protection is related to lower commercialization odds and royalty payments.