New Policies On Technology Transfer In China: Granting More Autonomy To Universities

By Jiang Yan

According to a recent circular released by the Chinese ministries of education, and science and technology, universities established by the state have autonomy in technology transfer (see the original news here). Unless the scientific and technological achievements concern national security, national interests, and major public interests, it is unnecessary to report to the ministry of finance or management department. All income gained from the technology transfer belongs to the universities.

Fudan University research

A more attractive rewarding system is included. The reward to major contributing research personnel should be no less than 50 percent of total earning from the transfers. The top management of universities were restricted to be financially rewarded from the technology transfer. The restrictions are relaxed. Members of top management can be rewarded in forms of bonuses or equity shares according to their contribution. The rest of the income of technology transfer is used for further research and technology transfer.

Technology transfer in universities should be professional and in tune with the market, according to the circular. Detailed procedures and regulations for managing, organizing and coordinating the technology transfer activities are left for universities to work out. Universities are encouraged to set up their own professional technology transfer institutions or consign the technology transfer work to independent professional institutions. Universities should deliver annual reports regarding the developments and achievements of the technology transfers. The performance in technology transfer will be considered in the overall evaluation.

An intensive university-industry (U-I) collaboration is emphasized. The measures to strengthen the U-I collaboration include university-industry R&D personnel exchange, consultancy work by university staff, technical training and sharing of research facilities. R&D personnel working in universities are permitted to work part-time in industry to promote the technology transfers, or to take a leave of absence (less than three years) to start their own business. Universities also should provide entrepreneurship training for students in the context of U-I collaboration.

Jiang Yan: Ph.D. (Nanyang Technological University), is a scientific writer and IP news reporter. Full bio can be found on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiang-yan-214b3b83