ABSTRACT
A high priority for todays researcher is the need to extract commercial value from a new technology - and MIPs (molecularly imprinted polymers) are no exception to the rule. It is essential to understand that a technology is only of value when used in a specific application, in a market segment, by a customer. With a relatively new technology such as MIPs, customers need to be taken through a sequence of creating Awareness, Interest, Desire and Action in order to gain their commitment to using the technology. To move through this sequence, MIPs need to be marketed effectively to overcome the technical shortcomings which have previously hindered their widespread commercialisation. The optimum business model for the exploitation of MIPs will build customers’ confidence in the technology, the options including:
• Contract research and consultancy • Licensing the technology • Selling the intellectual property • Manufacturing MIP material • Manufacturing MIP based components or devices
The model to be adopted will be decided by the research team’s attitude to risk and the availability of funding. A “soft start” model enables a MIP business to be created with modest funding, moving from a contract research and consultancy model to become a manufacturer of MIP material or products. Such an approach would create confidence in the technology and ensure that MIPs have a bright commercial future as a platform technology.
