Chemical Science Spin-Outs from UK Universities Report

The RSC Industry and Technology Forum would like to announce the launch of the DTI-sponsored report 'Chemical Science Spin-outs from UK Universities - Review of Critical Success Factors'. 

The RSC and Chemistry Leadership Council joined forces to examine the climate for spin-out of invention from British universities and the factors which influence their success or failure including the role of the UK venture capital community.

The final report published in March 2005 includes an account of current activities and case studies illustrating examples of best practice in knowledge transfer in the UK and is intended to form the base for a national government strategy to encourage new ventures.

Among the key outcomes from the report are:

• More resource and support is needed for Intellectual Property (IP) management.  The government should consider supporting the costs of patent filing in spin-out companies as an R&D cost

• More affordable science parks with wet chemistry facilities and specialist equipment are needed UK wide to enable fledgling companies to leave the university building and develop into an fully recognised business

• The lack of experienced business management impacts spin-out activity.  A secondment scheme of commercial managers into spin-outs and/or mentoring should be considered

Download the full report and email us with your comments on the findings in the report.