Commercialization of intellectual property in the higher education sector

Universities and hospitals recorded moderate gains in commercializing inventions between 2003 and 2004, according to preliminary data from the Survey of Intellectual Property Commercialization in the Higher Education Sector.

The number of inventions entering the commercialization pipeline rose in 2004. The number of invention disclosures was up 19%, while the number of patents held increased by 23%.

However, income from intellectual property commercialization was down 8% from 2003 to $51 million.

Universities and their affiliated research hospitals make an important contribution to innovation in Canada's economy. Besides generating new knowledge and training highly qualified graduates, some of the technology they produce is patented and licensed to companies for incorporation into commercial products. Some of these companies are spin-offs, that is, they are uniquely created to license and commercialize technology developed at the institution.

Available on CANSIM: table 358-0025.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 4222.

For further information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods and data quality of this release, contact Cathy Read (613-951-3838; fax: 613-951-9920; cathy.read@statcan.gc.ca), Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division.