How do you cope with the pressure and competition in technology transfer?

You also need to be skeptical about the accuracy of your taken for granted assumptions about the challenges you will face in the journey toward you goal - i.e. you need to be able to manage ambiguity.

Setting clear objectives is critical. However, a study from the Journal of Technology Transfer argues that organizational diversity demands differentiated goals. Different types of institutions—public labs, universities, and private companies—have differing agendas, from generating revenue to maximizing societal impact. "Goals of technology transfer: A multidimensional analysis," Journal of Technology Transfer, 2018

Laser-focus your tech transfer efforts by defining a clear, compelling goal. Is it profit, impact, or prestige? Aligning your ambitions will empower you to prioritize ruthlessly, communicate compellingly, and stay unwavering in your pursuit of measurable success. Embrace this north star to navigate the turbulent waters of technology commercialization.

Everyday I ask myself, " what's my why?" Which easily answered by social and moral value of the work of the Veterans Affair in its journey as a High Reliability Organization to honor Abraham Lincoln's pledge "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.".

When I was working in a university technology transfer office, I came to see the advantage of growing a DIVERSE and HETEROGENEOUS network that helps you anticipate changing technological environments.

While collaboration is essential, research points out that the quality of the network matters more than its size. A study found that organizations benefit most from 'open innovation'—a more nuanced, reciprocal type of networking." Open Innovation: Researching a New Paradigm," Oxford University Press, 2006.

Exponentially amplify your tech transfer impact by cultivating a dynamic, diverse network. Forge connections with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers - tapping into their expertise, resources and influential reach. This collaborative ecosystem empowers you to navigate obstacles, identify strategic opportunities, and orchestrate transformative partnerships. Leverage the power of your network to catalyze impactful technology commercialization.

Sin duda, un pilar fundamental es el trabajo en RED, sobre todo en países donde el capital social es bajo y la desconfianza entre los diversos sectores es alta. En transferencia Tecnológica el rol de las personas es clave y tener espacios de intercambio y generación de confianzas de manera previa a los proyectos es fundamental.

Agility is crucial, but as suggested by a report by the Brookings Institution, organizational culture is the cornerstone of adaptability. A culture that encourages risk-taking without penalizing failure fosters an environment conducive to learning and adaptation. "Fostering innovation through a culture of learning," The Brookings Institution, 2020.

In my experience you need to recognize that you and your collaborators are working to change the world together and will surely have different ideas about how things should be done, You need to be a good listener and not take disagreements personally.

Embrace an agile, growth-oriented mindset to excel in tech transfer. Continuously expand your expertise, sharpen your skills, and adapt to evolving market dynamics. Engage in ongoing learning, seek diverse perspectives, and rapidly iterate your approach. This dynamic, adaptive mindset enables you to anticipate shifts, seize emerging opportunities, and consistently deliver maximum impact amidst intense competition.

The third step to cope with the pressure and competition in technology transfer is to embrace constant learning and adaptation to the evolving landscape. Technology transfer presents a dynamic and intricate arena, demanding a keen awareness of the latest trends, developments, and regulations within your domain. Flexibility and responsiveness to the ever-changing needs are paramount in navigating this terrain. Just as we adapted from Dot to Windows and from Floppy discs to AI, that's the fun of learning - discovering new frontiers and evolving with the times.

Yes, technology transfer is stressful. However, resilience training can significantly mitigate stress, according to a paper in the Harvard Business Review. "Build Your Resilience in the Face of a Crisis," Harvard Business Review, 2020.

When I have worked on technology transfer deals, I needed to remember that I was laying down the track for a roller coaster and that I needed to respect my own limitations and personal needs and adjust my behavior accordingly - including sharing my challenges with my collaborators,

Prioritize your well-being to excel in the high-pressure world of tech transfer. Proactively manage stress through healthy habits, mindfulness practices, and dedicated self-care. Maintain a positive, resilient mindset to navigate setbacks and sustain your passion. By safeguarding your physical and mental energy, you'll tap into your full potential to drive transformative impact, even amid intense competition.

Savor your hard-earned victories in the high-stakes realm of tech transfer. Pause to celebrate milestones, no matter how small - they are proof of your relentless drive, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment. Share these achievements with your network, cultivating a culture of collective pride and motivation. This practice fortifies your resilience, reignites your passion, and inspires you to reach new heights, even as you navigate intense competition. Celebrate your wins, for they are the foundation of your future success.

I have found that for technology transfer managers are facilitators who can help all the members of two distinct "innovation teams" and that facilitators need to gently remind the members of both teams of the contribution of their role to the success of the the collective project.

Recognition is important. Nevertheless, a report from McKinsey emphasizes that the best forms of recognition are specific and timely, enhancing the motivational impact substantially. "Ahead of the curve: The future of performance management," McKinsey Quarterly, 2016.

The final point is especially vital given the rapid pace of technological change. A report by Gartner outlines a 360-degree feedback mechanism that not only evaluates performance but also sets the stage for ongoing dialogue about career growth. "Improve Employee Performance with 360-Degree Feedback," Gartner, 2019.

You need to remember that you are working in a competitive and ambiguous space and that your threat environment and your opportunity environment and you need to craft strategies that help your organization navigate through the changing circumstances that you will face on your journey.

A technology transfer manager needs to keep in mind that the bulk of technology transfer efforts will fail to achieve their stated goals and you will have to be ready to "pull out the plug" (or nudge your collaborators into "pulling the plug" collectively. The risk/reward ratio changes as you move along a trajectory.