Why do so many university patents remain on the shelf?

In this episode of Commercialisation Talks, Dr Mohammadali Farjoo speaks with Dr Telmo Santos, Head of Technology Transfer at the CCG/ZGDV Institute in Portugal. Combining academic research with more than 12 years of practical technology-transfer experience, Telmo offers valuable insights into the European commercialisation ecosystem. The conversation explores: Why European technology transfer differs from the US and Australian models Financial return versus broader societal impact Researchers’ motivations, academic incentives and open science Why patentability does not necessarily mean commercial viability The tension between protecting inventions and finding market applications Limited TTO resources and the need for more industry experience Technology-push versus market-pull commercialisation How industry mentors, experienced professionals, MBA students and university alumni can strengthen commercialisation How AI may reshape the work of technology transfer offices Why international networks are essential for taking technologies beyond national markets The discussion highlights an important message: successful technology transfer requires more than patent protection. It requires market understanding, industry relationships, appropriate capabilities and stronger networks across research and business ecosystems. Learn more about the CCG/ZGDV Institute: https://www.ccg.pt/ Learn more about MH Inspires: https://mhinspires.com.au/ #TechnologyTransfer #Commercialisation #UniversityInnovation #ResearchImpact #IntellectualProperty #OpenScience #InnovationEcosystem #IndustryCollaboration #CommercialisationTalks