Archives
Editorial
Mark Dodgson
Professor; Director, Technology and Innovation Management Centre, University of Queensland Business School, St Lucia QLD
Article Text
Innovation, whether through product and process optimisation, or through the introduction of new technologies, is seen in the global economy as one of the most significant creators of wealth in the new century. But bridging the gap between the research laboratory and the marketplace is so fraught with difficulties that many experts call the process ‘crossing the valley of death'. Some experts estimate that the value of technologies that researchers consider to be ‘market ready' is only 5% of the final value of a successful commercial product. The other 95% of value is added in the expensive and difficult processes of market analysis, preparation, product adaptation, and marketing. Finding the skills, resources and funding to support this time-consuming and complex process is not easy.
This journal aims to facilitate the commercialisation process. It is unique in offering examples of international best practice in research commercialisation, with analyses applying these tactics where relevant to the special constraints and opportunities of countries which are members of APEC (the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative forum). This issue contains articles from Japan, the USA and Australia, with technology profiles from the Lawrence Berkeley Lab in the USA and ITRI in Taiwan. Future issues will contain articles from Taiwan, Hong Kong and South East Asia, as well as research from Europe.
The launch of this publication could not be better timed. While research institutes and firms grapple with the difficult practicalities of transferring and commercialising technologies, there exists a timely increase in the amount of research and case studies into the strategies and methods which can help convert long-term research investments into income in difficult markets. Recent fluctuations in currencies and markets throughout the Asian region make it all the more imperative that expert understanding of national and regional R&D policies, incentives and prospects be applied to research investment decisions and offerings for successful commercialisation.
R&D Enterprise - Asia Pacific not only publishes broadly applicable material but also is positioned to serve a region which is sometimes perceived as diffuse and lacking the linkages necessary to commercialise research outcomes effectively. Some APEC countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have inherited a reputation from British science for outstanding research but an indifferent commercial focus: often characterised as ‘big R, small D'. Other countries, primarily in Asia, have an international profile for technology acquisition, development and commercialisation, with relatively less emphasis on creation of new technologies (‘small R, big D'). This publication aims to build links to the benefit of scientists, investors, industry and end users. Its emphasis is on the business of transforming good research into commercially viable products and processes.
This journal is governed by an outstanding Editorial Advisory Board, with representatives from business, government and academia in the USA, UK, Asia and Australia. All have been invited to join because of their broad and detailed knowledge of the challenges confronting technology-based organisations generally, and in APEC countries specifically.
If you work in a firm, financial institution, research laboratory or university involved in research and technology transfer, and you are interested in the business opportunities provided in the APEC region, I recommend that subscribe to R&D Enterprise - Asia Pacific. We look forward to your interest and application of this timely and useful publication.
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