The AUTM 2009 Annual Meeting featured two extraordinary plenaryspeakers—Henry Chesbrough and Dan Pink. Although both speakers were distinct interms of style and content, I thought it interesting that both speakers assertedthat the models we rely on in the academic world are the wave of the future forthe corporate sector.
Henry Chesbroughsuggested that companies can stay competitive by seeking new innovations fromoutside (rather than relying solely on their own research) and that they mustalso license out any great ideas that don’t support the company business model,even if these innovations have the potential to be money-makers.
“Right-brainers” will dominate the world, according to Dan Pink. Right-brained people can grasp the“big picture” and have the qualities of empathy, inventiveness and creativitythat give them a greater advantage in a business world that increasinglyoutsources or automates tasks that do not require a multidisciplinary approach.Companies that embrace right-brained thinking will be more likely to stayrelevant and competitive.
I thought Henry and Dan’s remarks were right on target forour profession.
Universities have been doing this forever, perhaps notformally or consciously, and maybe not consistently, but most universityscientists freely exchange ideas and materials. Universities, and universityresearchers, are the original open innovators, constantly seeking collaborationwith those who can advance their research and facilitate the distribution ofideas and materials to scientific communities and the public.
In our profession, we use right-brained skills on a dailybasis blending science, business, law and public policy. The most successfultechnology transfer professionals I know are provocative, creative, and aboveall, “open.” These individuals constantly think of new approaches to deals,negotiations and commercialization.
I’d love to know what our attendees took away from these twotalks and how you think open innovation or a move toward right-brainedappreciation will affect our profession.