The role of technology transfer in biotechnology

Abstract

Technology transfer is the lifeblood of building a sustainable biotechnology industry. This paper considers the development of the technology transfer industry, and particularly its influence on the role it has played in the growth biotechnology in the UK. It identifies some of the key skills necessary to exploit intellectual property successfully and how these were effected in the case of one start-up company. It identifies some of the challenges facing the industry, including the need to retain staff, to be able to invest in technology for the longer term and to have the space and other facilities to incubate fledgling companies.