Canadian Universities Lagging Behind in Biotechnology Transfer and Commercialization, Says Milken Institute Study

The Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank, recently released its study of the biotechnology transfer process taking place at universities worldwide. The study, entitled "Mind to Market: A Global Analysis of University Biotechnology Transfer and Commercialization", confirms the importance of intellectual property protection and technology transfer for the viability of the biotechnology industry. For Canadians, the study suggests that Canadian universities lag behind their US counterparts in technology transfer. In the study, the researchers examined how universities around the world convert biotechnology into commercially viable intellectual property. Universities were analyzed and ranked using three measures of comparison: number of biotechnology publications, number of issued US biotech patents and the technology transfer outcome. Only one Canadian university made the top 10 in one of the three rankings published by the Institute: US universities were found to lead in invention disclosures, patents issued, licenses executed and licensing income. The study also summarizes the state of biotechnology research in Canadian universities. Specifically, the study discusses, According to the study's researchers, "[s]tronger linkages within and among universities, more networking with industry and scientists with business management skills would facilitate the transfer of technology from university labs to Bay Street". To review a copy of the study by the Milken Institute, see: http://makeashorterlink.com/?H260238DD To review a summary of the Milken Institute's Study by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, visit: http://www.bio.org/news/newsitem.asp?id=2006_0920_02 Summary by: Lenni Carreiro