Article: Challenges in commercialisation of protected university agricultural research outputs: a review in the context of global hunger and the Kenyan experience Journal: International Journal of Intellectual Property Management (IJIPM) 2025 Vol.15 No.3 pp.233 - 249 Abstract: Universities are becoming actively involved in protecting their agricultural innovations due to the growing need for sustainable food systems (SFS) and the demand for solutions to global challenges. They have established technology transfer offices (TTOs) to facilitate the protection and commercialisation of research outputs generated at their universities. However, the agricultural sector encounters various challenges that significantly impact uptake of agricultural research outputs. The present study was undertaken in Kenya, where severe droughts have occurred. Findings indicate that while there is an increase in IP protection for innovations generated at the universities, there remains a need for increased commercialisation of this IPs. This study used a quantitative methodology to assess the collected data, and the result indicate that academic institutions prioritise teaching and do not promote the commercialisation of academic research outputs. The study thus recommends that universities establish industrial hubs and streamline administrative procedures to reduce bureaucratic barriers. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Challenges in commercialisation of protected university agricultural research outputs: a review in the context of global hunger and the Kenyan experience

Authors: Amos Arumba Nyameino; Amos Saurombe

Addresses: Department of Mercantile Law, College of Law, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa ' Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, School of Law, College of Law, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa

Abstract: Universities are becoming actively involved in protecting their agricultural innovations due to the growing need for sustainable food systems (SFS) and the demand for solutions to global challenges. They have established technology transfer offices (TTOs) to facilitate the protection and commercialisation of research outputs generated at their universities. However, the agricultural sector encounters various challenges that significantly impact uptake of agricultural research outputs. The present study was undertaken in Kenya, where severe droughts have occurred. Findings indicate that while there is an increase in IP protection for innovations generated at the universities, there remains a need for increased commercialisation of this IPs. This study used a quantitative methodology to assess the collected data, and the result indicate that academic institutions prioritise teaching and do not promote the commercialisation of academic research outputs. The study thus recommends that universities establish industrial hubs and streamline administrative procedures to reduce bureaucratic barriers.

Keywords: agriculture; climate change; patents; innovations; universities; intellectual property management; commercialisation of patents; research outputs; sustainable food systems; SFS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.146206

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2025 Vol.15 No.3, pp.233 - 249

Received: 22 Nov 2023
Accepted: 27 May 2024
Published online: 12 May 2025 *

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Title: Challenges in commercialisation of protected university agricultural research outputs: a review in the context of global hunger and the Kenyan experience

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