ABSTRACT
Much of the division on academic patenting arises from differing conceptions of the role of the university in society. If the university is seen as having an explicit economic and social role, the transfer of technology and utility of patenting becomes an issue of means, how best to organize this activity in relation to the other missions of the university. If the role of the university is believed to be limited to the production and dissemination of knowledge, then the issue of patenting research becomes a matter of principle and is fought on the ground of whether the university should play an explicit economic and social role in society and whether such a mission adds to or detracts from its other missions.1 Nevertheless, irrespective of ideological positions the research mission of the university inevitably brings with it the potential for technology development, with economic and social implications that must be taken into account. Even if a university wishes to maintain a hands-off position, it may be forced to become involved in issues of patent management.
