“Don’t underestimate the impact you can bring to the innovation ecosystem.” 

Culture shapes almost all aspects of society, including the innovation ecosystem. In today’s episode, we have our first guest from Singapore, Dr. Hui Ying Ang, who is here to provide us with a better understanding of the technology transfer field in her country. 

Hui Ying is an associate director with the Industry Liaison Office (ILO) from the National University of Singapore, and in this episode she explains how she first became aware of technology commercialization, the challenges that she has faced since entering the technology transfer space, the four main approaches that the National University of Singapore uses to support technology transfer efforts, and more!

In This Episode:

[00:55] Introducing Dr. Hui Ying Ang, associate director of the ILO at the National University of Singapore (and the first Singaporean guest on the podcast!)

[02:05] The experience that led Hui Ying into the world of technology transfer after she completed her Ph.D.

[03:46] Hui Ying’s advice to anyone new to the technology transfer profession.

[05:12] Elements of the technology transfer industry that still surprise Hui Ying five years after she entered it. 

[06:30] Hui Ying provides an overview of the technology transfer process at the National University of Singapore.

[08:04] The four main approaches that the National University of Singapore uses to support technology transfer efforts.

[09:50] Some of the main grants that support the commercialization of technologies in Singapore.  

[10:32] Common problems that Hui Ying has faced as a technology transfer professional. 

[13:34] Achievements that Hui Ying is most proud of. 

[14:41] How Singaporean culture and ideals shape the innovation ecosystem in the country. 

[16:21] Gender discrepancies in STEM fields in Singapore, and what is being done to encourage women to enter these spaces.  

[17:57] Hui Ying’s hope for the future of technology transfer. 

Resources:

Dr. Hui Ying Ang on LinkedIn

National University of Singapore

Every year, hundreds of institutions take part in the AUTM Annual Licensing Activity Survey, and John Miner, as the Chair of the AUTM Metrics and Surveys Portfolio, plays an integral role in the production and dissemination of this very powerful tool. 

Since the early ‘90s, the AUTM Licensing Survey has been collecting data from universities, federal laboratories, and other research institutions with the aim of providing a holistic view of the trends in the technology transfer industry.

In today’s episode, John shares how he became involved with the AUTM Licensing Survey, examples of the questions that are asked in the survey (and how these questions have changed over the years), and why this information is so valuable to the technology transfer field. 

In This Episode:

[00:53] What the AUTM Annual Licensing Activity Survey is. 

[01:05] Introducing today’s guest, John Miner. 

[02:19] John shares how he became involved in the AUTM Licensing Survey.

[05:20] Who the AUTM Licensing Survey is aimed at. 

[05:55] Examples of the questions asked in the AUTM Licensing Survey.

[06:45] Why the AUTM Licensing Survey is valuable to the technology transfer field as a whole. 

[10:22] How the AUTM Licensing Survey technology can be used by technology transfer offices.

[15:01] Benefits of the STATT Database.

[17:00] The typical number of responses that the AUTM Licensing Survey receives.

[17:20] Why 2022 was a challenging year for the AUTM Licensing Survey.

[19:56] How to use the AUTM Licensing Survey data to your advantage. 

[23:49] How the AUTM Licensing Survey has changed over the years. 

Resources:

John Miner on LinkedIn

AUTM Annual Licensing Activity Survey

AUTM Better World Project

Historically marginalized population groups face unique barriers in the workforce. Today’s guest, Patricia (Pattie) Cullum, has experienced these barriers firsthand and is on a mission to eliminate them. 

Pattie is a Regional Technology Transfer Specialist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development, Technology Transfer Program. Pattie was chosen as Technology Transfer Rookie of the Year for her success in addressing educational gaps in the VA technology transfer process.

During this episode, Pattie talks about some of the programs and strategies that the Federal government and US universities are working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

In This Episode:

[00:38] The Executive Order signed by President Biden in June 2021. 

[01:03] Introducing today’s guest, Patricia Cullum.

[03:23] Pattie explains how the US government is advancing DEIA in the Federal workforce. 

[04:59] The uphill battle that women have faced in the workforce.

[06:03] Our personal experiences of the gender pay gap. 

[06:57] How government bodies can set an example for the private sector with regard to enhancing DEI.

[08:08] VA programs that help uplift people with disabilities. 

[09:17] Pattie’s thoughts on how universities can advance DEI. 

[10:36] What research shows about DEI advancements.

[12:31] Examples of government programs that universities can work with to enhance DEI. 

[14:31] The best ways to share resources relating to DEI.

[15:39] Pattie shares her thoughts on how to break down the barriers that prevent underserved communities from becoming patent holders and inventors. 

[16:49] Advice for how to get started with DEI initiatives. 

[17:58] What Pattie sees as success in the DEI space. 

Resources:

Veteran Affairs Office of Research and Development

United States Patent and Trademark Office

After working as an interrogator for the US Army and running a scuba shop (among other things), Trina spent 15 years working in technology transfer departments at educational institutions before moving to the Portland VA Medical Center, where she is currently a Technology Transfer Specialist (and the only VA technology transfer professional in the state of Oregon). 

Although her title contains the word specialist, her very diverse educational and career background makes her more of a generalist and, as you will hear today, has benefited her enormously in her career.

During this episode, Trina shares why she chose to move from educational institutions to the federal government, the similarities and differences between the two spheres, and her advice for anyone considering making the transition.  

In This Episode:

[00:40] Introducing Trina Voss, a Technology Transfer Specialist at the Portland VA Medical Center

[02:04] An overview of Trina’s diverse educational and career background. 

[03:53] The email that came at just the right moment in Trina’s life. 

[04:50] Why Trina thinks of herself as a generalist and how this has benefited her as a technology transfer professional. 

[06:30] Trina shares what motivated her to advance her career through technology transfer certifications and what she learned from them.

[08:10] Why, after 15 years working in technology transfer in educational institutions, Trina moved to the federal government (and some of the biggest differences between the two). 

[09:59] The primary goal of VA Medical Centers. 

[10:56] Challenges that VA Medical Centers face.  

[11:58] How Trina’s time working in university technology transfer offices prepared her for her current role.

[14:41] Trina’s biggest challenge and biggest success at the Portland VA Medical Center.

[16:54] What Trina is most proud of. 

[17:52] Advice for any technology transfer professionals thinking about transitioning move from an academic institution to a government one. 

Resources:

Trina Voss on LinkedIn

For the last episode of the year, we are doing a deep dive into what AUTM’s 2022 advocacy activities have consisted of. It was a fruitful and energizing year for AUTM (though not without its fair share of challenges), and there is nobody better than today’s guest, Mike Waring, to share this overview with us.

Mike has been involved in Washington politics for over 40 years and is currently a consultant to AUTM on advocacy issues and chair of AUTM’s Public Policy Advisory Committee.

In this informative and insightful episode, we discuss the benefits of the CHIPS and Science Act, the problems with the DOE’s Declaration of Exceptional Circumstances, AUTM’s approach to preventing unrestricted access to patented therapeutics and diagnostics, and more. This conversation will leave you feeling grateful for the work that AUTM is doing and excited about the year ahead. 

In This Episode:

[00:50] Introducing today’s guest, AUTM consultant Mike Waring. 

[01:55] Examples of AUTM’s advocacy activities in 2022. 

[02:16] Some of the challenges that AUTM faced over the past year.

[03:34] Mike explains how the CHIPS and Science Act came into being and how it will benefit technology transfer offices. 

[08:37] Understanding the DOE’s Declaration of Exceptional Circumstances and how AUTM has responded to it. 

[11:49] The issue of march-in rights and AUTM’s approach to pushing back against them.

[15:35] The role that AUTM has played in preventing unrestricted access to patented therapeutics and diagnostics.

[18:27] What the Pride in Patent Ownership Act is and why it is a dangerous proposal.

[22:16] Reasons for optimism with respect to Section 101. 

[26:40] Mike’s thoughts on what technology transfer offices should focus on in the coming years.

[30:25] Details about the special panel that Mike is going to be a part of at the 2023 AUTM Annual Meeting.

Resources:

2023 AUTM Annual Meeting

With a PhD and 20 years of experience working in the semiconductor field, Dr. Victor Lau makes for the perfect middleman between industry and academia. Today, he is the Associate Director of the Knowledge Transfer Office at the City University of Hong Kong.

In this episode, Victor gives us insight into what technology transfer looks like in Hong Kong, how his office supports inventors and entrepreneurs, and some of the biggest challenges they face.

International perspectives offer a valuable learning opportunity, and Victor has a wealth of knowledge that he has gained from his wide-ranging experiences that will benefit technology transfer professionals across the world. 

In This Episode:

[01:41] Victor shares the journey that led him to the world of technology transfer. 

[03:30] What to expect as a new entrant into the technology transfer profession.

[04:58] The three stages of technology transfer in Hong Kong. 

[05:38] How Hong Kong’s ITF program works.

[07:08] The startup program that was established at the City University of Hong Kong in 2021. 

[08:01] Support that Victor’s office offers to inventors and entrepreneurs. 

[08:38] The size of Victor’s office.

[09:02] The biggest challenges that Victor and his team face when working to commercialize a technology. 

[11:30] How Victor established relationships with the inventors and students at the City University of Hong Kong.

[13:24] What Victor is most proud of in his current role. 

[14:19] How the Hong Kong trading culture influences the technology transfer sector.

[15:31] The importance of always being open-minded. 

[16:16] Gender diversity in Hong Kong and the work being done to enhance it. 

[19:24] Victor’s hopes for the future of technology transfer in Hong Kong.  

Resources:

Dr. Victor Lau on LinkedIn

There is a common and dangerous misconception that IP rights merely serve as a way for big companies in wealthy countries to acquire more wealth. This is one of the key drivers behind the movement to expand the TRIPS waiver.

During this episode, the Senior Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), Patrick Kilbride, explains why the TRIPS Agreement came into being in the first place, why the current TRIPS waiver is unnecessary, and why the proposed expansion will be harmful to the innovation industry.

At this crucial juncture, it is vital that more people begin to understand that IP rights are opportunities, not costs and that it is in everybody’s best interests to protect them. 

In This Episode:

[00:37] The harm that will be caused by the proposed extension of the current TRIPS waiver.

[03:00] Patrick explains the intention behind the creation of the TRIPS Agreement. 

[04:03] Why the TRIPS Agreement has been contested since it came into being. 

[05:42] Factors contributing to the decision to waive certain commitments under the TRIPS Agreement. 

[06:34] Patrick explains the enabling functions of IP protections. 

[09:22] The mindset shift around IP that is required. 

[10:25] Why Patrick believes the TRIPS waiver is unnecessary. 

[14:13] Patrick’s thoughts on the proposed broadening of the TRIPS waiver. 

[16:35] The negative effects that a broadening of the TRIPS waiver will likely have on the innovation industry. 

[19:23] Driving forces behind the push to expand the TRIPS waiver. 

[20:19] The reason that IP rights exist.  

[21:34] Why the Biden Administration supported the TRIPS waiver and where it stands on the proposed expansion. 

[24:53] How the AUTM community can prevent the expansion of the TRIPS waiver.

Resources:

Patrick Kilbride on LinkedIn

In the period following World War 2, government policy stipulated that whenever anything was invented using government funding, it would be put into the public domain. This may sound like an honorable idea, but the problem was that nothing was being commercialized because there was no incentive to do so.

Since 1980, thanks to the Bayh-Dole Act, the commercialization of inventions has been in the hands of the inventors, and this has led the United States to become one of the most innovative nations in the world. However, for over 20 years, people have been fighting (unsuccessfully) against the Act, trying to distort its original goal. 

We’re in the midst of one of those conflicts right now, so tune in today to hear from Joe Allen, the Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition who was instrumental in the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act, about the importance of keeping this Act intact and the grave consequences we face if we do not. 

In This Episode:

[00:58] Introducing today’s guest, Joe Allen, the Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition.

[02:01] The purpose of the Bayh-Dole Act and how some lawmakers are trying to distort it. 

[03:37] The problem with the way government-funded inventions were treated in the period following WWII. 

[04:48] How Senator Bayh and Senator Dole transformed the innovation environment in the United States in 1980. 

[06:24] The intention behind the March-In Rights provision in the Bayh-Dole Act. 

[09:25] What opponents of the Bayh-Dole Act misunderstand about it. 

[12:21] A real-world example of the Bayh-Dole Act in action. 

[15:58] What the Bayh-Dole Act does and does not guarantee.

[17:23] The issues we will face if the March-In provision is used for price control. 

[19:48] Why there is no case law that allows for March-In under Bayh-Dole. 

[20:09] Complexities of the March-In process.

[22:10] Joe explains the link between the attempted misuse of the Bayh-Dole March-In Rights to the proposed abuse of Section 1498. 

[27:42] How to protect the Bayh-Dole Act. 

Resources:

Joe Allen on LinkedIn

Bayh-Dole Coalition

Tribal communities comprise 4.3% of the Arizona population, but less than 1% of businesses in the state are Native American owned. Through the Native FORGE program, Brian Ellerman’s goal is to change that. 

They only received funding for the first time in September 2022, but through the success of the Native FORGE conference, the positive responses they have received from indigenous communities so far, and their commitment to professional development, Brian and his team have already begun to demonstrate the sustainability and scalability of the program.

Listen to this episode to hear how Native FORGE is empowering indigenous entrepreneurs and uplifting local tribal economies in a way that differs from any programs that have come before it.  

In This Episode:

[00:38] Introducing the Native FORGE program and its founder, Brian Ellerman.

[02:02] Brian’s educational background and how he ended up in his current position at Arizona University. 

[04:15] The founding story of the Native FORGE program. 

[05:24] Brian explains how the Native FORGE program encourages tribal entrepreneurship and helps build tribal economies.

[08:06] How the Native FORGE program differs from other tribal-focused programs that have failed in the past. 

[09:19] The two key constraints to the scalability of the Native FORGE program. 

[09:44] Responses that the Native FORGE program has received from tribal communities so far. 

[11:38] An overview of the Tribal Data Training, Development, and Assessment Program.  

[13:01] The professional development opportunities that are offered by the Native FORGE program.

[20:02] How Native FORGE plans to form relationships with the majority of the tribal communities in Arizona.

[22:45] Positive outcomes of the recent Native FORGE conference.

[24:53] Plans Brian has to expand the Native FORGE program in the future. 

[26:46] Why Brian sees collaboration amongst universities as key to the success and scalability of the Native FORGE program.  

Resources:

Native FORGE

Arizona FORGE

Brian Ellerman on LinkedIn

The Czech Republic may be a small country, but they are certainly not a small player in the technology transfer field. And that is largely thanks to today’s guest, Růžena Štemberková.

Růžena is the Head of the TTO at the University of South Bohemia, the vice chair of Transfera.cz, and a member of a number of well-established technology transfer organizations. 

During our conversation, Růžena talks about the challenging leap she took into the world of technology transfer, how she has been working towards enhancing the visibility of the technology transfer field in the Czech Republic, the innovation that she is most proud of having been involved in commercializing, her hopes for the future, and more!

In This Episode:

[00:39] Introducing today’s guest, Růžena Štemberková.

[01:50] Růžena shares how she became involved in the technology transfer field. 

[03:33] The topic of Růžena’s Ph.D. 

[05:02] Inspiration behind the founding of Transfera.cz, of which Růžena is the vice chair.

[05:58] What Transfera.cz has achieved over the past few years. 

[07:29] How the University of South Bohemia (where Růžena is the head of the Technology Transfer Office) supports technology transfer. 

[09:44] The network of government and private entities that assist the University of South Bohemia in developing innovations.

[10:46] How Růžena’s office enhances awareness about technology transfer.

[13:04] A positive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

[13:38] Examples of how Růžena’s office is aiming to make technology transfer more accessible across the Czech Republic. 

[15:38] Růžena’s approach to dealing with the challenges that she faces with commercializing technology. 

[16:57] Examples of the licenses that the Unversity of South Bohemia has received. 

[18:53] The innovation that Růžena is most proud of being involved in commercializing. 

[21:05] Růžena shares her hopes for the future of technology transfer in the Czech Republic and on a global scale. 

Resources:

Růžena Štemberková on LinkedIn

University of South Bohemia

Transfera.cz

EPO PATLIB Committee

ASTP

LESI