COMMERCIALIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN POLAND: PROCESS OR PROCEDURE? ORGANIZATIONAL SOLUTIONS IN SELECTED POLISH AND FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This article aims to illustrate the different ways of organizing commercialization processes at universities to inspire existing technology transfer offices (TTO) and increase their effectiveness. Its implementation was based on a qualitative study conducted among 4 Polish and 2 foreign (Belgian and Spanish) universities. The study results show that the standardized commercialization system doesn’t exist at Polish universities. Research results present that there are many commercialization models, but it is a rather formal procedure than a system or process. Moreover, polish universities perceive TTO as a part of the administration, even if TTO’s employees have ambitions to build merit potential. Finally, the challenge is combining the research process with commercialization to increase efficiency. Our research presents interesting new approaches concerning commercialization: the flipped knowledge transfer (FKT) and the community engagement research initiative (CERI). It is essential to understand that commercialization starts with a research project not with a research result or patent. Both approaches mention before focusing on social engagement in research first and may have an essential impact on TTO’s effectiveness and the university’s social impact. An interesting option is to implement CERI first and evolve it to FKT to perform university research "from the outside to the inside" approach, i.e. undertaking research work in response to stimuli coming from the social and economic environment.