Original Research
From conceptualisation to commercialisation: The Gradnet story
Submitted: 04 December 2014 | Published: 28 May 2015
About the author(s)
Zenia Barnard, Department of Information and Knowledge Management, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaChris Rensleigh, Department of Information and Knowledge Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide a holistic view of what the process entailed to leap from academic research to the commercialisation of the research into a company as was the case for Gradnet.
Method: A case-study approach was used to document the conceptualisation and development of the research-based, spin-off company, Gradnet. This includes the background of the original research that formed the basis of the innovation process.
Results: It was found that the commercialisation process of academic research is not necessarily a natural process for the researcher in the absence of an appropriate supporting infrastructure.
Conclusion: All academic disciplines have the potential for establishing commercially viable research projects. This potential should be actively explored and pursued by the institution.
Keywords
Metrics
Total abstract views: 7377Total article views: 9719