Research commercialisation might seem daunting and irrelevant to some researchers. Turning ideas or research into marketable projects and profiting from it might seem contradictory to one’s objective as a researcher. Commercialising your research can however increase the sustainability of your research project and provide practical, real-world benefits to end-users, the community, and national economy.
The ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018 report recognised that delivering cutting edge technology and new invention with partners and industry was a common theme in highly rated impact case studies, with 48 impact case studies having a focus on the commercialisation of technology across the STEM fields.
Although not as common, research in the humanities, arts and social sciences has commercialisation potential too. Check out the Economic and Social Research Council’s brief articles Social enterprise and social research and Why commercialise?
Consider: What are the benefits of commercialising your research? What are the obstacles? How can you remove or work around them?
The key ingredient of a successful commercialisation project is the development of solutions that can solve real-world problems.
Watch this short video about Professor Xiangyu Wang’s project on using augmented reality to improve productivity in LNG plant construction.
Check out the projects of the 2019 Curtinnovation award winners.
Watch the video “ 7 Step Framework to Commercialise Your Research “ by Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University.
If you’re interested in discussing the commercialisation potential of your research contact Curtin’s Commercialisation Team.
It is important to understand the processes and legal and compliance perspectives of research commercialisation. Planning at the beginning of your project will save you from unexpected issues down the track.
Familiarise yourself with the Curtin Commercialisation Process, and the Curtin University Intellectual Property Policy [PDF, 183kB]. Under the policy the university owns intellectual property developed by staff in the course of their duties, as well as that developed by research students under certain circumstances.
Watch this short video by IP Australia to understand steps you need to consider when you want to commercialise your IP.
If you are creating a unique and innovative invention as part of your research project you may want to consider applying for a patent. Check out the IP Australia website for more information on patents.