Technology Commercialization through Licensing: Experiences and Lessons-A Case Study from Indian Horticulture Sector

Abstract

Innovative technical knowledge has been accepted globally as the most critical input for crop productivity enhancement. Protecting such technical innovative knowledge through intellectual property protection and commercialization through licensing are main components of development agenda recognized world over. With the commercialization of agricultural sector, the role of private sector in agriculture is growing worldwide. In this changing environment, the governments around the world are developing and adapting new policies and laws that promote and foster public private partnerships. In most emerging economies, where public sector still remains the dominant source of technologies in agriculture, often are constrained by lack of adequate infrastructure and finance for scaling up and commercialization of such technical knowhow. With globalization, a visible shift is emerging in middle and low income economies towards innovation, technology transfer and commercialization, emulating the experiences of developed countries. While policy emulation is well accepted, it is not certain that what works for one country would also work elsewhere. Following the rich experiences of the Bayh-Dole Act of the United States, a number of emerging economies have modified their policy frameworks in anticipation of developing an effective technology transfer and innovation strategy. This paper reviews the experiences of technology transfer and commercialization processes in Brazil, China and Chile with reference to technology policy, patenting, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts and compares them with the efforts made by Indian agriculture. The paper further details the technology commercialization efforts put forth under the Indian conditions taking the case of a research institute under the horticulture sector. Results indicated increased number of technology transfers between public to public and public to private sector, increased number of patents filed. The primary objective of the paper is also to highlight the unique experiences and lessons in the process of commercialization that needs critical examination. While technology commercialization through licensing increased awareness among scientists towards IPR related activities like patent filing, enhanced visibility of the institute’s products, better valuation of the technologies, and increased interest towards horticulture based entrepreneurship development. The linkage between institute and other horticultural departments appeared to have got strengthened, while scientists and licensees collating to enhance their business prospects was also observed, suggesting the need for evolving a full proof system of technology transfer and commercialization.

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