I&E 710
The Business of Science: Research and Technology Translation
Melvin Speight
Description from DukeHub
Students will study the processes, factors, and strategic decisions involved in bringing a technology from the lab or research center to market, often described as 'technology commercialization' or 'technology translation.' We will examine how technologies are conceived and evaluated, the conditions enabling commercialization of the technology, factors to consider for a go-to-market strategy, and how markets, customers, and funding drive strategic choices in the path towards technology commercialization. Intellectual property, regulatory considerations, financing structures, factors in licensing/startup decisions, and assessing market needs and competitive landscape will also be included.
Skills
- languagestitle: "translation"
- financeAI review: "financing structures"
- policy and lawAI review: "regulatory considerations"
AI-resilient: 2 of 5
- Yes: Physical, lab or field work · "lab"
- No: Live work with people
- Yes: Judgment someone is accountable for · "decisions"
- No: A craft you practice with your hands or body
- No: Small, in-person format
The checks lean on Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025), which found generative AI applies least to physical work and hands-on work with people. A signal, not a promise. How the score works
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