University technology commercialisation offices a New Zealand perspective

Declining public funding of tertiary education in New Zealand has encouraged universities to grow research-funding links with business and industry, and to commercialise technology and other intellectual property arising from staff and student research. This paper discusses the role of university-industry liaison offices or companies in the commercialisation process. Technology commercialisation models being applied at the University of Canterbury are also presented. A preferred model is used to reduce early stage costs and complexity, to facilitate development project partnerships and investor participation, and to enhance future research funding opportunities. It also recognises the differences in culture and strategic aims of universities and industries, and aims to give value to both the university and its industrial partners.