Study Tour to Great Britain , 22-28 February 2009

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A wider look at the commercialisation of science

This February I was lucky enough to take part for the second time in a study tour to Great Britain organised by CNCP. In my opinion, such tours are a very good idea and a key element in CNCP’s activities.

The frank and open atmosphere of contacts, the sincerity of the lecturers and the desire to share experience struck me very favourably. I think that making this happen was no easy task. The relevance and significance of the study tour is beyond question. It tackled stereotypes about the principle different problems in the field of commercialisation, which also arise in our countries. It pointed to the need to adapt existing experience and not to get stuck in one furrow. The tour provided the possibility of taking a wider view on questions relating to the commercialisation of science and underlined repeatedly the need for all interested parties: inventors, institutes, ministries, businesses and investors to become involved in putting together an effective strategy.

Extremely interesting and practical examples were provided of the diversification of sources of financing in relation to different stages in the process developing an innovation, and of management methods and models for the exploitation of intellectual property. The visits organised during the tour made it possible for us to witness different elements of this work: the necessity of changing the mentality of scientists, the interests of investors, the role of individual promoters and the possibility of rewarding inventors.

This led to a recognition of the common elements of all organized approaches to the commercialisation of scientific innovations – deep analysis and systematic resolution of problems, a policy of bringing together under one roof representatives of science, business and investors, the creation of broad information networks, and also the involvement of professionals from the fields of management and marketing. Bringing together resources, information and the interested parties in one place created a critical mass and led to the emergence of synergies in the development and diffusion of new technologies.

Nonetheless, every visit was interesting in its own particular way. At the Begbrook science park, Professor Peter Dobson described in-depth planning methods for issues relating to infrastructure. At DSTL Doctor David Harris spoke about the specifics of commercialisation in the context of security sensitive work. Doctor Liz Towns-Andrews from the scientific innovation centre at Daresbury presented the concept of knowledge exchange, which was new to me. The leaders of the Dalton Nuclear Institute, a part of Manchester University, presented their experience of developing a systematic approach to the training of specialist staff, including training relating to the commercial dimension. The Isotron company provided a practical and detailed history of the establishment of a successful business in the field of radiation technologies, and the presentations by Tim Rubidge and Nathan Hill offered a real philosophy of the commercialisation of scientific ideas.

A particularly valuable feature of this tour was the range of experience presented, embracing private, state and even defence organisations. From my point of view, some of the most important aspects which emerged were:

• the need to clearly and precisely define the problems facing the country, and the specific tasks which can be resolved by particular structures (Dalton Nuclear Institute),
• increasing the number of innovation paths and the intensification of links between science, businesses and investors on a single site (Daresbury scientific and innovation complex),
• the necessity of setting up structures with professional management and marketing (Ploughshare Innovation, Isotron, Qi3),
• understanding the difficulties and the long term nature of the commercialisation process,
• establishing communicative links and the systematic planning of work with interested parties (experience of Qi3).

The principle questions covered in the presentations concerned collective and personal ethics, professional evaluation of innovations, and how to achieve an equitable balance of financial interests. In this connection, I feel that the work that CNCP is embarking on in creating commercialisation units in the institutes with the focus on the long term, is extremely important.

No less important was the fact that the experience acquired during the tour involved practical opportunities for collaboration with British colleagues. For example, the possibility that the research reactor of the Tashkent Institute of Nuclear Physics might play a part in Manchester University’s programme for training specialists, and the opportunities for research into the market for radiation technologies (including radiation sterilization) in Uzbekistan.

The tour also provided a wonderful opportunity for dialogue with colleagues from other countries: senior representatives of government, the leaders of high level research centres and specialists involved in the process of commercialization. The atmosphere of informality and sincerity made a very good impression on me and, without doubt, provided a basis for a further strengthening of our professional links.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organisers, and in particular to the British and Moscow Offices of the CNCP Programme, for providing this opportunity for building relations, for the excellent organisation of the tour, for hospitality and for their kindness.

Askar Safarov,
Director of the nuclear-physical laboratory,
Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan