How can technology transfer and commercialization measure and communicate their value and impact?

1 Why measure and communicate TTC value and impact?

Measuring and communicating the value and impact of the transfer and commercialization of research outputs can help you to demonstrate accountability and transparency to funders, partners, and policymakers. It can also help you attract and retain talent, investment, and collaboration opportunities, as well as enhance your reputation and visibility as a leader and innovator. Additionally, measuring TTC value and impact can identify and address gaps, challenges, and best practices in your TTC processes, while supporting evidence-based decision making and strategic planning.

2 What are the dimensions and indicators of TTC value and impact?

TTC value and impact can be categorized into four dimensions: economic, social, environmental, and academic. Each dimension has different indicators that reflect the goals, outputs, and outcomes of TTC activities. For economic value and impact, indicators include revenue from licensing, royalties, equity, or spin-offs; jobs created or supported; cost savings or efficiency gains; market share or competitiveness; GDP growth or regional development. Social value and impact can be measured by quality of life or well-being improvement; health or education outcomes; access or inclusion enhancement; public awareness or engagement; and policy or regulatory influence.

3 How to measure TTC value and impact?

When measuring TTC value and impact, there is no single approach that works for all contexts, scopes, and purposes. To quantify and qualify these metrics, surveys, interviews, or focus groups can be conducted with stakeholders to collect feedback and testimonials. Bibliometric or patent analysis can be used to track citations, publications, or intellectual property. Metrics or dashboards can be utilized to monitor key performance indicators such as income, deals, or spin-offs. Additionally, economic or social return on investment analysis can be employed to estimate the monetary value or social benefits of TTC activities. Finally, logic models or theories of change can be implemented to map the inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of TTC activities.

4 How to communicate TTC value and impact?

Communicating your TTC value and impact effectively is essential to reach your target audiences, such as funders, partners, clients, media, and the public. To craft and deliver compelling messages, use clear and concise language that avoids jargon or technical terms. Additionally, tailor your messages to the needs, interests, and expectations of your audiences. Consider using stories, examples, or testimonials to illustrate the human or societal aspects of your TTC value and impact. Visuals such as charts, graphs, or infographics can also be used to highlight key data or trends. And don’t forget to use multiple channels, like websites, newsletters, social media, or events to reach and engage your audiences.

5 How to improve your TTC value and impact measurement and communication?

Measuring and communicating your TTC value and impact are not single-time tasks, but rather an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. To enhance this process, you should establish a clear and consistent framework and methodology for measurement and communication, collect and update data regularly and systematically, involve stakeholders in the process, benchmark and compare your TTC value and impact with peers or best practices, and seek feedback and evaluation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?