Authors : Norain Ismail, Mohd Jailani Mohd Nor and Safiah Sidek
Abstract: Research product commercialization have become the main catalyst for wealth creation of a country. In Malaysia, commercialisation of research products especially from the university has been recognised as the source of income. There are many supports have been put forward by Malaysian universities to encourage academic researchers to commercialise their research products, however, the rate of success is still less satisfactory. The purpose of this study is to discuss the challenges faced by four award winning academic researchers in commercialising their research products. Interviews were conducted with four Malaysian academic researchers who have successfully commercialised their research products. The study identified that there are challenges with respect to funding, manpower, marketing strategies. The most challenging factor is the knowledge and skills gaps between industry and academic researchers. Findings of this research can be used as guidance for academic researchers to plan strategically for a successful commercialization for their research products. These findings are also valuable for policy makers at the university and the government to improve the success rate of research product commercialisation in Malaysia.
Norain Ismail, Mohd Jailani Mohd Nor and Safiah Sidek, 2017. Challenges for Research Product Commercialisation: A Case of Malaysian Academic Researchers. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12: 1543-1550.