E.P. Tillery, A.C. Mills, A. Parker
North Carolina State Univeristy,
United States
Keywords: electronic textiles, commercialization, innovation, university technology transfer
Summary:
In industries traditionally characterized by low research and development (R&D) intensity, the introduction of new product categories often demands innovative approaches to knowledge transfer and commercialization. This presentation examines how academic research contributes to the commercialization of emerging technologies within these industries, with a focus on e-textiles as a case study. Leveraging the Sectoral Systems of Innovation (SSI) framework, this study explores how academic institutions enable technological advancements in textiles, a sector often perceived as mature and low-tech. The analysis highlights the role of university-industry collaborations, licensing agreements, and entrepreneurial ventures in bridging the gap between fundamental research and marketable innovations. Drawing on examples of commercialization efforts in e-textiles, this study investigates the interplay of interdisciplinary knowledge, industry partnerships, and funding mechanisms that have supported the transition from academic prototypes to viable products. By addressing the challenges of scaling innovations in low R&D sectors—such as limited industry absorptive capacity and market fragmentation—this presentation identifies pathways for maximizing the impact of academic research in these contexts. This presentation contributes to the understanding of how academic institutions can catalyze innovation, particularly in industries that are not traditionally research-intensive, and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in bringing groundbreaking research to market.