University research and commercialization - experience of the University of Moratuwa

Abstract

While the focus of universities in Sri Lanka is to produce employable quality graduates, the prevailing attitude amongst decision makers seems to be that it is good to have research in universities but not essential. In addition, a number of issues seem to impede both research in universities and their commercialization. There is hardly any dedicated funding for research in universities. Also, there is a misconception that output from university research can and should be commercialized. In reality, the objective of university research is to find something new that is publishable and may be to obtain a patent and never the commercializing of the research. To prepare a research project for commercialization as a bankable proposition, the process requires at the very least, a proof of concept, prototype and a business plan from the idea that was successful at the laboratory. This paper identifies and discusses possible interventions by the government and the universities on the short term and the long term and suggests the way forward for universities in Sri Lanka based on the experience of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.