Intellectual property rights policies of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India: a cross-sectional study
Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management
ISSN: 2053-4620
Article publication date: 4 June 2021
Issue publication date: 29 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the intellectual property (IP) policy and innovation practices of higher education institutions (HEIs) and to understand the impact of national intellectual property rights (IPR) policy at the ground level. It identifies the barriers of HEIs in the generation of IP, its commercialization and technology transfer.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study aims to understand the innovation practices and IP policy framework of HEIs in India. It was studied in a qualitative approach with a structured questionnaire tool deployed to the top management of HEIs (targeted respondents), using convenience sampling methods.
Findings
The results imply that IP policies and innovation practices of HEIs in India are evolving and need to align with the global standard as envisaged in the national IPR policy. Lack of commensurate incentives to the inventors, linkages with industries and facilities were found to be major barriers among HEIs and research institutions. Institutional IP policy shall be framed to promote industry linkages with universities resulting in successful IP generation and technology transfer.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size in this study is less; however, it does not have an impact on the study outcome, as it is a qualitative approach.
Practical implications
This study brings awareness among stakeholders of IP generation and commercialization regarding the barriers and needed changes to overcome them through policy.
Social implications
It helps policymakers to redesign the tools of IP and innovation policy to enable the innovation promotion at HEIs. This study identifies innovation practices and institutional barriers in the generation of IP.
Originality/value
This qualitative survey-based study helps in understanding the innovation practices of HEIs in India. It also aims to identify the barriers of HEIs on the generation and commercialization of IP.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
NSTMIS (CHORD Division), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for providing financial assistance to carry out a research project to the PI Dr Manthan D Janodia, of which this study is a part.
Contribution: research was conceptualized by MJ. Data collection and analysis was carried out by VS. VS drafted the MS, while MJ reviewed MS. VL, PM, AS, RP and RP reviewed the manuscript and provided their suggestions.
Funding: funded by NSTMIS (CHORD Division), DST, Government of India.
Citation
Sattiraju, V.K., Pandey, R., Pallela, R., Sircar, A., Ligade, V.S., Muragundi, P.M. and Janodia, M.D. (2022), "Intellectual property rights policies of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India: a cross-sectional study", Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 837-848. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-01-2021-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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