@article {810, title = {Commercialization and Public Good: Conflict, Complement, or Critical Component?}, journal = {Technology Innovation Management Review}, volume = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {07/2014}, pages = {27-35}, publisher = {Talent First Network}, address = {Ottawa}, abstract = {The controversy regarding the role of science in society {\textendash} and how science can best achieve its role {\textendash} may well date as far back as the beginnings of science itself. The specific arguments and the possible mechanisms for science to impact society, however, have changed over time. This article picks up the conversation with regards to the specific role of publicly funded science, presuming, similar to Brecht in this article{\textquoteright}s opening quotation, that publicly funded science has the goal of making positive contributions to society. To achieve this goal, today{\textquoteright}s scientists and research managers face a myriad options of publication venues, protection mechanism, and collaborations with external partners including licensing and other options for commercialization. Oftentimes, the goal of achieving positive contributions to society is perceived as being in fundamental conflict with the restrictions many commercialization arrangements place on the use of knowledge. This article argues that, although commercialization may at times conflict with the goal of achieving positive contributions to society, it can also be complementary to pursuits towards societal contributions, or even a critical component in achieving the desired positive contributions to society. More specifically, it suggests that the use of the term {\textquotedblleft}science for the public good{\textquotedblright} as description of the goal to achieve positive societal contributions might create confusion with the economic term {\textquotedblleft}public good{\textquotedblright}. Thus, it seeks to reframe the discussion of how science can contribute to society in an era of increased openness and interaction. }, keywords = {commercialization, intellectual property, public good, publicly funded science, science in society, societal benefits, technology transfer, university research}, issn = {1927-0321}, doi = {http://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/810}, url = {http://timreview.ca/article/810}, author = {R. Sandra Schillo} }