Mapping the Technology Transfer Offices in Greece: Initial Outcomes Concerning Medical and Health Technologies and Next Steps

Abstract

AbstractWhile the academic debate on how to transfer technology from universities and research centres to the society is not absent in Greece, yet the study of the institutions mediating in this process is not that advanced. Here, we present the results from our first survey on the Technology Transfer Offices of 12 major Greek universities and research centres. We analyse their structure, regulations and classification of services, and report on their industrial (patents, trademarks, etc.) and intellectual (copyright, digital content, etc.) property outputs. Furthermore, we explore potential patterns of collaboration. With a few notable exceptions in a limited number of aspects that formulate the everyday workings and performance indicators of the examined TTOs, findings indicate an underdeveloped ecosystem with significant room for improvement. The research presented here is part of a broader project, which aims to map the entire ecosystem of the Greek higher education institutions and research centres.