Technology Transfer & Research Commercialization Learning Series

This learning series brings together key discussions from the September Capacity-Building Training for Lebanese University Staff (15–20 September), featuring experts from universities, technology transfer offices, legal practice, and innovation support organizations. Through a collection of short episodes, the series explores the practical challenges and opportunities surrounding research commercialization, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer in Lebanon.

Episode 1: From Research to Market – Bridging the Commercialization Gap
Featuring: Evan Fakhoury (Lebanese American University), Matej Kliman (Bohemian Center), and Nisrine Haddad (SADER & Associates)

Why do so many promising research ideas never reach the market? This episode explores one of the most common challenges facing universities and researchers: the gap between academic research and commercial application. The speakers discuss how successful technology transfer depends on collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, including researchers, universities, legal experts, and technology transfer professionals, to provide the guidance, expertise, and support needed to transform research outcomes into market-ready innovations.

Episode 2: Publishing vs. Patenting – Finding the Right Balance
Featuring: Nisrine Haddad (SADER & Associates) and Joelle Nader (Lebanese American University)

Academic researchers often face the pressure of a “publish or perish” culture, which can conflict with the need to protect innovations before public disclosure. This episode examines how universities can better support researchers by raising awareness of intellectual property rights, encouraging timely patent filing, and adapting institutional policies to recognize innovation, commercialization, and patenting alongside traditional academic publishing.

Episode 3: Technology Transfer in Lebanon – Challenges and Opportunities
Featuring: Sarah Chahine (Lebanese International University) and Matej Kliman (Bohemian Center)

This episode provides an overview of Lebanon’s technology transfer landscape, highlighting both existing strengths and areas for improvement. The discussion covers Lebanon’s intellectual property framework, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents, while emphasizing the importance of greater awareness of IP protection and commercialization processes. The speakers also demonstrate how technology transfer can be strengthened not only through major innovations but also by supporting smaller research and innovation projects that contribute to a stronger national innovation ecosystem.

Episode 4: Protecting University Know-How and Research Assets
Featuring: Matej Kliman (Bohemian Center), Nisrine Haddad (SADER & Associates), and Pauline Aad (Notre Dame University)

Protecting knowledge is a critical step in the commercialization journey. In this episode, the speakers share practical approaches for safeguarding valuable university know-how and research outputs. Topics include the use of lab notebooks, material transfer agreements (MTAs), and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as essential tools for managing confidential information and supporting future commercialization efforts. The discussion is complemented by insights on the importance of maintaining detailed research records as part of effective intellectual property management.

Together, these episodes provide practical guidance for university staff, researchers, and innovation support professionals seeking to strengthen technology transfer practices, protect intellectual assets, and create greater societal and economic impact from research and innovation.