The Associate Level Innovation and Technology Commercialization Professional (ITCP) course has been created by the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech with the addition of best practices and the APEC Handbook from ITTN, the International Technology Transfer Network. Delivered online, the course targets Chinese professionals with 0 to 2 years of relevant professional experience. It is intended to provide Chinese researchers, innovators, technology transfer professionals, technology commercialization professionals, and others in the field. EI2 conducted four pilot cohorts from March through June 2021 that were bilingual, English/Chinese.  In total, 785 learners completed the ITCP Course during the pilot and received a certificate from Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE).

The Enterprise Innovation Institute ran a customized cohort of the ITCP Program in collaboration with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Promotion (ANPR) in Tunisia. This cohort, also known as ITCP Tunisia, ran from July 26 to December 16, 2022 and had an additional focus on facilitating networking between the learners. Thirty-four Tunisian innovation professionals participated in this intimate cohort. Exam results, surveys, and follow-up interviews indicate that the majority found it to be an educational experience and useful for their future careers.

Customer Profile

The Economic Development Lab in the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) at Georgia Tech recently developed and launched the Associate Level Innovation and Technology Commercialization Professional (ITCP) course through Tech’s Professional Education program.

This asynchronous course contains the latest instruction of best practices in technology commercialization and utilizes the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC)’s Handbook specifically developed for its members’ use and reference of technology commercialization practices. The International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) developed this handbook at the request of the APEC. The Georgia Tech ITCP course launched its pilot cohort in March 2021. Working with ITTN, EDL was able to create the course and translate it into the Mandarin language for the Chinese speaking population that was identified as the intended test audience. Delivered on-line in China, the course targets Chinese professionals with two years or less of relevant professional experience in the field of technology commercialization. It is intended to provide Chinese researchers, innovators, technology transfer professionals, technology commercialization professionals, and others in the field with a fundamental understanding of how to:

1. 1. 1. 1. feed more innovation and talent into research institutions and the local innovation ecosystem,
         2. energize technology transfer practices with leading edge commercialization methods to insure that more innovation is successfully commercialized in the market and society in an equitable manner,
         3. nurture the growth of local innovation ecosystems across a country to stimulate commercialization between industry, academia, government, and startups, and
         4. foster cross-border collaborations to move innovation into global markets. The educational materials will be applicable to professionals regardless of size of economy, development status, and location (Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, Oceania).

Situation

China was selected as the pilot location for a variety of both strategic and opportunistic reasons. China is a rapidly growing market for technology commercialization professionals with well over 100,000 potential ITCP students.  As the world’s two leading economies, it is critical that the United States and China work together in practical ways to establish globally accepted best practices. This can be accomplished through the ITCP training program. The U.S. State Department, Tech’s EI2, and the International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) were closely involved in developing and vetting the APEC Handbook of Technology Commercialization which has been a key underpinning of the pilot ITCP program. This handbook establishes a consensus on some of the most important terminology, best practices, and know-how for innovation and technology commercialization professionals around the world. In addition, the ITCP program is strategically aligned with Georgia Tech’s commitment to global service, international impact, and economic development. While the pilot course was launched in China, the intent is to establish the ITCP program as an international standard to level the playing field for smaller and less developed countries. These objectives are directly connected to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Particularly, goal 4 – to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; goal 8 – to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; goal 9 – to  build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; and goal 17 – to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, convergence of unique capabilities, global connections, and impactful opportunities. Finally, China is a thought and opinion leader in the region which could lead to a rapid and smooth expansion of ITCP to other Asia Pacific countries.

Solution

As one of the largest and most comprehensive, university-based organizations in the world focused on the practice of innovation-led economic development and technology commercialization, Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute is globally recognized and uniquely qualified to champion the ITCP program. Additionally, Georgia Tech Professional Education has instructional design capabilities and technical framework for developing and delivering asynchronous remote learning at the scale needed in China. The city of Shenzhen is home to one of Georgia Tech’s flagship international campuses outside of Atlanta; the ITCP program will bring added reputational awareness and potential collaborations to this campus from across China. As Chinese is one of the strategic languages taught by Georgia Tech’s School of Modern Languages, the ITCP program will provide practical, cross-cultural, and enriching experiences for Tech graduate students learning Chinese, especially students enrolled in the Global Media and Cultures program.

Results

Through this collaboration, the EI2 and ITTN teams have asynchronously executed four pilot cohorts containing 960 total students coming mainly from technology (40 percent), university, research and development (17 percent) and government (12 percent) careers. With an average student age of 36, and with more than half of all students having less than 5 years of experience, this program has been validated by its initial targeted audience. Even though this course targets students with almost no experience, students with vast experience also benefited from the course structure and content and reported they were not previously exposed to a formal and standardized course that covered the main topics a technology transfer professional should know. In terms of gender, the course has been almost equally attended by highly educated males and female students, with 11 percent of all students who participated in the pilot programs having a doctorate degree, 52 percent earning a master’s degree, and 31% having a bachelor’s degree. The role of entrepreneurs and startups in an innovation ecosystem (52 percent) and the role of universities and research institutes in an innovation ecosystem (57 percent) have been the two most learned topics and skills among the enrolled students.  Over 79% of the total students graduating from the ITCP course stated that they are extremely likely (42 percent) and very likely (37 percent) to recommend this course.

In total, 785 Chinese learners have completed the ITCP Course to date and received a certificate from Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE).

Based on the positive feedback and interest in the technology commercialization topic expressed by the Chinese students, a principal level and senior level is under consideration for future development.

Yiyan Liu: CEO of US-China Innovation Alliance

Comments: “For the current associate level course, it has been well done and the information is very comprehensive. The course structure is also very good and quite clear. The breakdown of lecturers is also quite good, each lecturer has his/her own area of expertise and characteristics. The lectures are easy to digest and understand.”

–          From Focus Group Interview

Jingxin Chen: Professor of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanical Manufacturing in Yangzhou University

Comments: “It is a great honor to have the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program of “ITCP” held by your university. The whole program is rich in content, and each teaching link has been carefully designed. The content taught by each teacher is very wonderful, the translation is accurate, and the extracurricular reading materials are diversified and informative.”

–          From Email

Qian Geng:

Comments: “This method system is very good and very practical. It is very helpful for those who want to start a business, those who are starting a business, and those who have already done it under the existing system of a large company.”

–          From Survey

Yiyin Xu: International Technology Transfer Technology Manager of Changzhou Engineering and Technology Institute of Jiangsu University

Comments: “Every lecturer gives clear presentations with their own characteristics. Thanks for all lecturers! I in particular prefer the lectures given by Prof. McGreggor and Ms. Nagel for I can sense their passions for innovation and in sharing their experience in tech commercialisation practices. Lively and touching lectures^_^ And the overall online learning experience is very good. Thanks for your excellent service for integrating these important learning modules and providing intime feedback and translations. Hopefully we can meet in the future.”

–          From Survey

The 20-hour, on-line course contains six main modules which cover the commercialization pathway from research and ideation to innovation to commercialization in the market or society.  The content is not specific to practitioners in any single country, but it applies globally to practitioners from across all countries.

There are several reasons why this course is different from all other technology transfer courses.  It discusses unique concepts such as:

• • • • How governments, research institutions, industry, and entrepreneurial communities can infuse more quality innovation into the commercialization pathway for their country,
      • How research institutions can revolutionize the structure, function, and commercialization output of traditional technology transfer offices,
      • How research institutions can engage and build local innovation ecosystems around their institutions to enhance commercialization outcomes, and
      • How research institutions participation in cross-border collaborations on research, talent development, innovation, and access to markets can improve global commercialization activity for the benefit of all.

This introductory lecture defines technology commercialization and its interrelationship with technology transfer.  It describes the application of modern technology commercialization practices toward the optimization of commercialization activity in the market or society.  Finally, it provides an overview of the importance of robust innovation ecosystems and cross-border collaborations in research, innovation, and commercialization.

This module is a series of six lectures on the essential feedstocks of commercialization: research, talent, and innovation.  Topics covered include policy initiatives, government and industry research funding, government and industry collaborations, innovation approaches, innovation models, responsible innovation, and talent development.  As a participant, you will gain an understanding of how ideas move from minds and labs toward something with commercial potential.

1. 1. 1. 1. Government and Industry Research – Sources of research funding, the relationship between research, innovation, talent, and commercial outcomes
         2. Innovation Approaches – How corporations, small and medium enterprises, and startups approach innovation
         3. Innovation Models – Review of several innovation models such as open innovation, disruptive innovation, frugal innovation, and innovation prizes
         4. Responsible Innovation – Overview of the definition and methodologies and an exercise on the practice of responsible innovation
         5. Nurturing Talent – Various approaches to developing innovation and entrepreneurial talent in communities, research institutions, and industry
         6. Talent Development – A review of creative approaches to developing and nurturing innovative ideas which include design thinking, agile development, and lean startup

There are numerous organizations which will provide country specific training on technology transfer which is in keeping with country or regional laws.  This field is very complex and its totality is not within the scope of this course.  However, this series of four lectures provides a basic overview of the technology transfer process within a research institution, including ideas on how to set-up a technology transfer office.  It is important for you, the participant, to understand these concepts, as technology transfer is an important part of the overall commercialization pathway from idea to market or society.

1. 1. 1. 1. What is Intellectual Property – A review of basic definition and concepts, plus an overview of variables to consider when forming a Technology Transfer Office
         2. Typical Process for Intellectual Property Protection – An overview of the process from in-reach into the laboratory to disclosure to protection
         3. Traditional Technology Transfer – Discusses transfer practices after intellectual property protection which includes assessment of the market, valuation, marketing, and the legal transfer
         4. Top Best Practices – The International Technology Transfer Organization (ITTN) has captured technology transfer practices from 100 research organizations from around the world which will be summarized in this lecture

In 2011, a new process was being piloted in the United States, to apply lean startup principles to the evaluation and often redirection of research and innovation towards a commercial or societal application.  In short, these principles were being applied to increase the conversion of government research funding for research institutions into solutions that benefit society.  Georgia Tech was one of the first two universities to undertake the pilot within its VentureLab faculty and student accelerator.  These six lectures will cover important lean startups principles and how they can impact commercial outcomes.  As a participant, you will be able to understand the basic principles of lean startup and its application in the transformation of technology transfer into technology commercialization.

Tech Transfer Revolutionized by Customer Inquiry – Topics include evidenced-based entrepreneurship, Lean Start-up, and the revolution for technology transfer offices which followed

Technology Commercialization Outcomes – A review of various technology transfer outcomes, beyond licensing to existing firms, which were expanded by the adoption of lean startup principles: license to research institution spin-offs and co-development agreements between the research institution and industry or startups

1. 1. 1. 1. Discovery and Validation, Part 1 – The importance of intellectual property, finance, technology, market, and people in the process
         2. Discovery and Validation, Part 2 – A special focus on Business Model Canvas (BMC) elements of value proposition, minimal viable product, and product market fit
         3. Moving from Lab toward Market/ Society – A special focus on seed funding, milestones, and government policy
         4. Company Creation – A special focus on company creation, first customers, funding, production, and team development

Once an innovation leaves a research institution, it must survive the transition from lab to marketplace.  There are various pathways to the market or society which depend on where the technology is licensed.  In this series of four lectures, we will examine the different pathways that corporations, startups, governments, and non-profits take in getting to the market or society.  As a participant, you will gain an understanding of the challenges faced by various types of entities which launch new innovations.  This will give you a greater understanding of the larger context of the commercialization pathway, and how you may support this external effort.

1. 1. 1. 1. Various Pathways to Market or Society – Overview of possible pathways for societal non-profits, corporations, startups, and governments
         2. Special Focus on Corporate Commercialization – Discusses internal development, license, co-development, investment, and acquisition
         3. Special Focus on Startup Commercialization – A review of various company building strategies
         4. Special Focus on Societal non-profits – An overview of approaches and a case study

There is a greater world beyond the boundaries of research institutions.  Technology transfer and commercialization practitioners have an important role to play in local innovation and startup ecosystems and in cross-border collaborations.  This grouping of five lectures will give you, the practitioner, an understanding of the broader role of research institutions in engaging with industry, startups, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and other universities locally and globally.  The role of research institutions is no longer just to produce great students or new knowledge.  They must now connect and support economic development activities on a local and global scale to create jobs and improve the human condition.

1. 1. 1. 1. Research Institutions as Leaders in Innovation-led Economic Development – Discusses policy Influence, programs, outputs, and outcomes
         2. What are Innovation Ecosystems – Overview of attributes, geography, philosophy, and time scale for innovation ecosystems
         3. Role of Research Institutions in Innovation Ecosystems – Details the engagement opportunities for research institutions in innovation ecosystems beyond the borders of the institution
         4. Role of Research Institutions in Startup Ecosystems – Review of the opportunities for research institutions to engage in local startup ecosystems via programs, assets, mentors, investors, and a multi-sector alliance
         5. Cross-Border Engagement – How research institutions, corporations, startups, and governments can work across borders to maximize the commercialization of innovation for the benefit of all

This module wraps ups the main topics covered in the course and introduces the exam that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge acquired and serves as the basis for your certificate of completion.

The Program Introduction & Overview session provides a framework for the program and is an opportunity to review course requirements, datelines, and program schedule. The goal is to clarify expectations and roles of the program participants, the sponsoring organization, and the Georgia Tech team. During this live session, the Georgia Tech team will explain the program, identify individual objectives, and set the group’s expectations, answering any related questions.

The objective of the live interaction session with instructors is to help participants integrate the knowledge and tools they received during the ITCP program. Three sessions in English will be held over the course of the program. During a video conference, the Georgia Tech’s instructors will interact for an hour with program participants addressing questions and or comments relevant to the course content. The goal is to integrate insights, exchange of knowledge, tools, and networking opportunities. Consecutive interpretation must be provided by our partners in the target country if needed.

The purpose of these live sessions is to create a virtual space for interaction with members of the innovation ecosystem from Georgia Tech. Students will hear from guest speakers and have an opportunity to interact with them. Guest speakers will be invited from Georgia Tech’s network and can be entrepreneurs, corporate innovation executives, incubation/acceleration managers, or senior-level executives from Fortune 500 companies in Georgia who have experience in developing a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.