02393nas a2200241   4500008004100000022001400041245008400055210006900139260004200208300001000250490000600260520164100266653002201907653002601929653001601955653002801971653002301999653002202022653002402044653002402068100002302092856003602115       2014                        eng d  a1927-032100aCommercialization and Public Good: Conflict, Complement, or Critical Component?0 aCommercialization and Public Good Conflict Complement or Critica  aOttawabTalent First Networkc07/2014  a27-350 v43 aThe controversy regarding the role of science in society – and how science can best achieve its role – 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's opening quotation, that publicly funded science has the goal of making positive contributions to society. 

To achieve this goal, today’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 “science for the public good” as description of the goal to achieve positive societal contributions might create confusion with the economic term “public good”. Thus, it seeks to reframe the discussion of how science can contribute to society in an era of increased openness and interaction. 10acommercialization10aintellectual property10apublic good10apublicly funded science10ascience in society10asocietal benefits10atechnology transfer10auniversity research1 aSchillo, R. Sandra  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/810