Current model of commercialisation too simplistic

UQ Business School’s Professor Mark Dodgson believes the popular view of research commercialisation – particularly the role of universities in the process – is too simplistic.

Professor Dodgson said the relationship between universities, innovation and economic development was far richer and therefore inevitably more complex than most people thought.

“The current view is that simply putting scientists with patents and a business plan in a room with venture capitalists will lead to innovation,” he said.

“It just doesn’t happen that way. Universities contribute to business in all kinds of unexpected and unplanned ways”

Leader of UQ Business School’s new Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation, Professor Dodgson said the course Developing Business from Science, was designed to provide an antidote to the popular view of commercialisation.

“The course is structured to critically examine whether or not business does actually develop from science and if so, how,” he said.

“We then look at how outcomes can be improved.

“I think the course would be of interest to any professional in the commercialisation space who needs to understand what’s really going on.

“I’d also certainly encourage UQ PhD students from every Faculty to take the course as an elective.”

Professor Dodgson speaks from personal experience. His business Think, Play, Do Group – a spin-off resulting from research at UQ and Imperial College London – evolved from his years of study into how the innovation process is changing.

For more information contact Cathy Stacey on (07) 3365 6179 or 0434 074 372