Commercialization of Publicly Funded Research and Development in Russia : Scaling up the Emergence of Spinoff Companies
This paper explores fundamental issues affecting technology commercialization of publicly funded research and development (R&D) in the Russian Federation. Despite substantial R&D investments, Russia has experienced a decline in scientific output and employment. Nevertheless, the innovation system remains strong in several technological fields. This paper develops an analytical framework to discuss conditions for technology commercialization, which hinge on the innovation system research base, governance of research institutions, alignment between specialization and sector prioritization, availability and performance of scientists and engineers, intellectual property (IP) regime for publicly funded discoveries, and early stage finance. The paper identifies areas for policy and regulatory improvement to incentivize research institutes and scientists to undertake research with market potential. These include: stronger results-based management that rewards commercialization efforts and focuses not only on high-technology sectors, but also on sectors where Russia has technological comparative advantages. In addition, researchers' career development could consider performance metrics that include entrepreneurial achievements, as well as support for young scientists and for international collaboration. Moreover, the IP regime for federally funded R&D may consider transferring full ownership of research discoveries to research organizations. Finally, to increase deal-flow of new ventures, enhancing the supply of early-stage financing for new technologies may be considered.
Summary: | This paper explores fundamental issues
affecting technology commercialization of publicly funded
research and development (R&D) in the Russian
Federation. Despite substantial R&D investments, Russia
has experienced a decline in scientific output and
employment. Nevertheless, the innovation system remains
strong in several technological fields. This paper develops
an analytical framework to discuss conditions for technology
commercialization, which hinge on the innovation system
research base, governance of research institutions,
alignment between specialization and sector prioritization,
availability and performance of scientists and engineers,
intellectual property (IP) regime for publicly funded
discoveries, and early stage finance. The paper identifies
areas for policy and regulatory improvement to incentivize
research institutes and scientists to undertake research
with market potential. These include: stronger results-based
management that rewards commercialization efforts and
focuses not only on high-technology sectors, but also on
sectors where Russia has technological comparative
advantages. In addition, researchers' career
development could consider performance metrics that include
entrepreneurial achievements, as well as support for young
scientists and for international collaboration. Moreover,
the IP regime for federally funded R&D may consider
transferring full ownership of research discoveries to
research organizations. Finally, to increase deal-flow of
new ventures, enhancing the supply of early-stage financing
for new technologies may be considered. |
---|