Division of Research
Q & A with Mary Givens
Director, Office of Technology Transfer
What exactly is technology transfer?
Technology transfer is the process of commercializing inventions and creations by moving them from the research stage to implementation by business and industry. It’s a way to connect outstanding researchers who are making scientific discoveries and developing new products with entrepreneurs and companies who can manufacture these products and bring them into the marketplace.
What is the mission of Boise State’s new Office of Technology Transfer?
The Office will actively work to identify, protect, package and license intellectual property produced by faculty. We will implement strategies to develop private sector business opportunities based on faculty research. We will also facilitate relationships with businesses and industry that have a current or future interest in research areas where Boise State has developed significant expertise.
What is intellectual property, and why is it valuable?
Intellectual property refers to scientific discoveries, inventions, literary works, symbols or other items that are created by faculty and that carry with them certain property rights. Intellectual property can be protected with patents, licenses, copyrights and through other legal means, and can generate significant revenue for the university if acquired or licensed by businesses or industry.
Why did Boise State decide to establish an Office of Technology Transfer?
As an emerging metropolitan research university of distinction, Boise State is building an impressive research and intellectual property portfolio. The Office was created to support faculty in the identification, assessment and protection of intellectual property as well as respond to industry’s increasing interest in Boise State research.
How will the current economic downturn affect what your Office can accomplish?
When times are tough, innovation becomes even more important to solving problems efficiently. The current economic climate presents opportunities for Boise State faculty to provide technical expertise for Idaho businesses and industries that are seeking new ways to succeed and compete in the marketplace. Industry may license Boise State intellectual property to expand existing product lines or expand into new markets. Some businesses may want to buy or license Boise State intellectual property to form new start-up businesses. As a result, industry expansion and the creation of new businesses may in turn generate economic value to Boise State and Idaho.
How does your background and experience prepare you for this new challenge?
My broad experience will allow me to bring a unique industry and public sector perspective to the Boise State technology transfer strategy. My business experience includes assessing commercial opportunities and laying the groundwork for those ventures to succeed. My relationships with industry, government and other organizations will contribute to our overall success.
You’re new to this job. What do you plan to do first?
I am looking forward to meeting with faculty across campus and talking with them about their research programs, outreach and partnerships. I am also looking forward to building a broader awareness among businesses about the existing intellectual property, talent and resources available at Boise State.
Where is the Office of Technology Transfer located?
The Office is located in the Division of Research main offices in the Albertsons Library Building Room 153 at Boise State University. Web materials will be developed in the coming weeks with more information about the Office and its services. Our phone number is (208) 426-5732.