Commercialising Social Science

What is Commercialisation?

According to the UKRI, commercialisation of research is “the process by which new or improved technologies, products, processes, and services are brought to market. It requires an intent and mindset to develop and apply an idea to a real problem or unmet need, and to successfully progress along the technical and/or commercial readiness pathway towards it being sold on the market.”

There are several main pathways to Commercialising university research and knowledge: 

• Licensing: grant a time-limited licence to a third party to sell your product/service for a fee or royalty.

• Consultancy: give your expert advice to a company or organisation for a fee. This can include training programmes that arise from your specialist knowledge or research. 

• Spin-Out Company: create a new company to sell your product or service directly. This can also include non-profit social enterprise companies. 

The Commercialisation Officer will work closely with you throughout the process and will explore with you the most appropriate route to market and help you to identify potential customers and partners. 

How can I pursue commercial projects alongside work?

Commercialisation can present an exciting opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activities alongside your academic career, but it requires time and effort, and some routes to market are more time-consuming than others. The Commercialisation Officer will work with you to understand your priorities and explore the best routes to market with those in mind. 

There are also specialist programmes, such as ARC Accelerator and ICURe, that offer time-buyout schemes that mean you can take time away from your academic role (subject to line manager approval) and work full-time on your commercial project. These programmes also provide mentors and a network of potential partners and investors to give your project the best chance to get off the ground.

How do I start? 

If you have an idea that may be suitable for Commercialisation (and even if you are not sure) then please contact the Commercialisation Officer to arrange a quick initial call (online or in person): w.salmon@surrey.ac.uk  

Intellectual Property 

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to “creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.” (WIPO). IP is most commonly protected by patents, copyright, trademarks and design rights. 

The granting of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is often a key component in licence agreements and in the establishment of spin-out companies, so it is important to identify the nature and ownership of IP at the outset of any commercialisation project. 

It is also important to note that in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, there may not be obvious IP in the form of ‘inventions’ and that the commercialisation opportunity may come from applying research data, subject expertise, and know-how in a new way to meet a societal need or opportunity. 

IP is NOT a requirement for commercialising within FASS, but it may determine the relevant pathways to market.

Commercial or Non-Commercial IP?

The University owns all IP created by its employees unless it is created in a private capacity that is inconsequential to the employee’s role. See the University IP Code for more information.

If your research has generated IP that may have commercial value of any kind (whether in the private, public or third sectors) then please contact the FASS Commercialisation Officer. Following this, the university will assess the nature of the IP and any relevant protections that may be applicable (e.g. patents, trademarks, and copyrights). 

Non-Commercial IP 

The University Library oversees policies that are concerned with managing IP which does not have commercial value, such as most copyright on published works. Open Research copyright and licences | University of Surrey

Useful links 

• Our intellectual property code | University of Surrey

• Welcome to IPO’s online support tools. These have been designed to help you: | Intellectual Property Office

• Universities and Intellectual Property (wipo.int)