Technology Transfer – Experience from Oxford University

Mutual understanding between the two very different value systems operating in University and Industry is crucial to the development of effective technology transfer from University research to Commercial Enterprises. Professor Tim Cook will describe the two value systems highlighting their orthogonality. Then he will describe structures and processes developed over ten years in Oxford University and Isis Innovation, its wholly owned technology transfer company, to address the differences, concluding with an account of the successes achieved. There will be opportunities throughout the presentation to discuss the relevance of the principles described to Universities other than Oxford.
Professor Tim Cook headed Isis Innovation, Oxford University’s technology transfer company, for ten years, leading it from very small beginnings to “what is widely regarded as one of the best University technology transfer offices in the country” (Lambert Review July 2003). He retired from his executive role in March 2007, remaining on the board. He is also a director of Oxford Gene Technology Ltd and Lombard Medical Technologies plc.
From 1990 to 1997 he was a private investor and founding Managing Director of two successful companies, Oxford Semiconductor and Oxford Asymmetry, a spinout from Oxford University.
From 1975 to 1990 he held various management roles in technology-based businesses including Managing Director positions from 1983.
His academic training and career reflect his “trans-cultural” approach, consisting of a degree in Physics, a doctorate in Cryogenic Engineering both at Oxford University, a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and a Diploma in Accountancy and Finance. He is a Fellow by Special Election at St Catherine’s College Oxford, Visiting Professor in Science Entrepreneurship at the Saïd Business School and Chairman of the Oxford Science Enterprise Centre.
Tim Cook advises several universities on Technology Transfer. He is Chairman of the Knowledge Starts Programme for University Spinouts in Sheffield and has given invited lectures in the USA, Japan, Australia and many European countries.