The Office of the Provost and the University Faculty Council jointly initiated the formation of the Technology Transfer Task Force in September 2024 to assess and enhance Illinois Tech鈥檚 policies and practices related to technology transfer.
The task force鈥檚 priorities will include:
- Benchmarking: The task force will conduct a comprehensive review of current technology transfer policies, practices, and outcomes within Illinois Tech. This review will include comparing the university鈥檚 practices with those of peer institutions and leading competitors to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
- Policy Recommendations: Based on the benchmarking analysis, the task force will recommend specific policy changes aimed at improving the effectiveness of technology transfer activities. This work will include proposing revisions to the faculty handbook to better align with Illinois Tech鈥檚 goals in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The task force should ensure that these recommendations are scalable and inclusive, while also recognizing diverse forms of scholarship across all disciplines.
- Promotion and Tenure Integration: The task force will develop and propose strategies to appropriately value and incorporate technology transfer activities into Illinois Tech鈥檚 promotion and tenure process. This work should include addressing potential biases in the evaluation process, enhancing transparency, and linking faculty contributions directly to the university鈥檚 mission and priorities.
- Cultivating Entrepreneurship: As part of their overall work, the task force should propose initiatives to create a supportive environment that encourages entrepreneurship among faculty, students, and staff. This includes identifying resources, incentives, and training opportunities that can help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration with industry partners.
The Technology Transfer Task Force is expected to engage with key stakeholders across the university, including faculty, academic leadership, legal counsel, and industry partners to ensure that recommendations are both practical and aligned with the institution鈥檚 mission and strategic goals.
Technology Transfer Task Force Members
- Chair: Associate Professor of Chemistry Adam Hock
- Professor of Computer Science Sanjiv Kapoor
- Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering Mohammad Asadi
- Michael Paul Galvin Chair in Entrepreneurship and Applied Legal Technology Nancy Kim
- Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship Executive Director Maryam Saleh