1. Challenges in University Technology Transfer in Russia
6th International Conference on
“Managing Intellectual Property Rights in Universities”
Ilia Dubinsky, PhD
Challenges in University Technology Transfer in Russia

2. Despite substantial decline, Russian science and engineering are still capable of producing highest quality R&D results
However, this does not translate into strong economic performance in technologically advanced industries
Deficiencies in tech transfer system contribute to this situation
Deficiencies in legal system
Lack of incentives for the researchers
Lack of tech transfer expertise and resources at vast majority of universities
University leadership not interested in tech transfer
State ownership of R&D results
Heavy state control of the use of IP developed at universities
Good news – Russian university tech transfer is developing, new laws and regulations are enacted
Skolkovo Institute of Sc. and Tech.(Skoltech) – successful pilot of a univ. tech transfer

3. Disproportionately small economic return on a substantial research effort…
Total amount of grants and contracts in support of R&D in Russia in has been Trillion rubles (approx. $35B).
35766 patents have been filed
However, only 68 transactions involving this IP have been done (less than 0.2%) and their materiality is questionable

4. Challenges in university tech transfer in Russia (I)
Deficiencies in legal system, e.g.,
No instruments to license IP quickly (e.g., no way to license IP before the patent is granted, no provisional patents, etc.)
Lack of incentives for the researchers
No link between the commercialization/tech transfer outcome and researcher’s compensation
Lack of tech transfer expertise and resources at vast majority of universities
In majority of the universities there is no “western-style” tech transfer, only a patent-filing office.
Very limited budget. Wrong goals, incentives, skills…
Custom of “funding in exchange for IP ownership”, supported by state laws and practices

5. Challenges in university tech transfer in Russia (II)
Heavy state control of the use of IP developed at universities
IP ownership by the state – in case of state R&D sponsorship. Recent positive changes – research org. can take ownership of the developed IP
State ownership of research institutions is still a major challenge. State fiscal and budget committees oversee how the institutions deal with their properties and may press criminal charges for “incorrect” handling of IP
As a consequence, university leadership is not interested in tech transfer
State ownership and control increase costs, complexity
Risks and decrease positive payback

6. In recent years university tech transfer has been undergoing positive changes
Legal changes recently are taking place
Universities can take ownership of IP developed in contract research projects
Universities can grant exclusive IP license or sell IP to a company, in which the university maintains a particular (state-defined) share
Still, for state-owned universities (absolute majority) state oversight makes tech transfer difficult
Several universities have made development of world-class tech transfer a goal
Skoltech, ITMO…
Skoltech has been at the front, leading and championing the change, transferring the knowledge, skills and practices
Skoltech KTO has been set and trained by MIT TLO (special gratitude to Chris Noble)
KTO it the center of all legal deals of the University, helped develop clear IP policies)
First in Russia cross-border IP licensing deals

7. University tech transfer in Russia is in transition…
Tech transfer from research organizations is a necessary element of innovation-based economy
Today in Russia tech transfer does not support growth of economy
Recent positive changes in legal laws and regulations and emergence of institutions interested in development of tech transfer make us believe the situation will change in near future
First international licenses (Skoltech) and sales of university-owned shares in startups (ITMO) are the first harbingers of change
State authorities appear to be genuinely interested in learning and spreading best practices in tech transfer to a broad list of organizations. Skoltech is an admitted leader