Incentive and reward key to good Knowledge transfer

Unico - UK knowledge transfer association - has published the results of a survey suggesting technology/knowledge transfer is now seen as a part of the higher education institution strategy and that there has been continuing investment in this area to support its growth.

An entrepreneurial spirit is becoming ever more part of the higher education strategy

Despite acknowledgement by Government of the importance of rewarding and incentivising success to “release entrepreneurial potential and encourage the development of innovative products from the UK’s science”, there has previously been a lack of information on salaries paid, reward and incentive strategies, and the benefits of such schemes in UK universities. This new Unico Salary and Incentives Survey sheds light on incentives and rewards in knowledge transfer.

Professor David Secher, Unico Chairman said: “Many universities are supporting the emerging profession of knowledge transfer with incentive schemes.  The survey also reveals that better defined career paths are needed for staff involved in enterprise activity.”

Whilst nearly one third of universities have incentive schemes for technology transfer staff, other universities cite concerns over conflicts of interest or institutional policies which do not allow such schemes.  Of those that do have incentive schemes, the funding source appears to come from The Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and licence and royalty-based income, not core funding.

The survey also finds that the role of Director of the technology transfer office is dominated by men (80%). Women are more prominent in IP/contracts, marketing, or administration roles. Plus, there is evidence that a ‘blended professional’ with a mixed portfolio of academic and non-academic work is emerging.