Transferring Research Output to Industry: Case Study Solar Cell

Abstract

Teaching and researching are two main pillars in a progressive university. Each pillar supports the other in ensuring high academic standard. Other than contributing toward human development, research do produce product that can be useful for the people. Research products from the university rarely commercialized. It may be the fault of the researchers themselves for not working toward commercialization. Nevertheless, in most cases, it is due to ignorant or mental block. A program for educating researchers to consider commercialization of their research outcome has been practice by various universities. Not only the university but also the researcher will benefit from this exercise. The benefit can be in the form of recognition or even monetary.

This paper will look into some of the predicament faced by researches who is interested to commercialize their research product. The product in this case is solar cell. A research work on solar cell has achieved 19 % conversion efficiency and cost of production at RM$3.80 per Watt peak in the year 2000. After sending a complete report of the finding to the relevant Ministry, the commercialization journey begins.

Three main obstacles hinder the commercialization process. They are market readiness, appropriate financial scheme and final ownership of the research products.