From conceptualization to commercialization: case study of a web-based research spin-off

This paper articulates the case of Gradnet: a web-based company resulting from a longitudinal study of which the first phase was formalized in a Master’s degree dissertation and the second phase in a Doctoral thesis. It provides insights into the planning, analysis, design, implementation, support and ultimately the commercialization process of this spin-off entity. What started out as a practical web-based solution to address institutional merger challenges, turned out to have a wider application value. In an era where cloud computing was a novel and untested concept, Gradnet rebuilt its Web prototype on the Google platform, moving away from the “traditional” Microsoft platform. The scalability and potential of this paradigm shift proved to be the most profitable decision in the course of developing the end product. Not only did the partnership with Google provide a more stable and scalable platform for Gradnet, but it also provided a cutting edge for the product in terms of Web technological innovation. The paper provides guidelines for researchers in search of a more practical application for their research endeavors. The insight could increase the chances of web-based innovation and commercialization prospects and describes a pathway by which action researchers can pro-actively plan for the commercialization of their Web innovations and formulate suitable exit strategies. Furthermore, it looks at the progression from prototyping to production and highlights certain challenges that candidates with viable commercialization online research projects should be aware of. The importance of multi-layered partnerships, formalization of agreements, the legal framework, knowledge management, project management and budget planning are all aspects that should be keep in mind when planning and implementing an online commercialization project. Generic aspects can be drawn from this paper that could assist in streamlining the online commercialization and technology transfer practices at higher education institutions.