“Polish universities have long focused on their first and second missions,” says Prof. Adam Woźniak, WUT Vice-Rector for Development. “However, in an increasingly fast-paced world, scientific research and education may prove insufficient if universities are to be active participants in the process of change, particularly in innovation-driven economic transformations. In this context, the third mission becomes increasingly important, with a key aspect being the commercialization of intellectual property developed through research.”  

The more than threefold increase in IP sales revenue at the Warsaw University of Technology is the result of consistent efforts over the past few years to build a comprehensive system for intellectual property protection and technology transfer. This has made it possible to effectively manage complex commercialization processes—starting from the identification of intellectual property and the estimation of the market value of technologies, through to engaging with potential clients, negotiating deals, and preparing legal agreements and finalizing transactions.

"It is not true that researchers are unable to engage companies with their solutions," says Piotr Dardziński, PhD, Director of the Innovations Centre at the Warsaw University of Technology, which is responsible for managing commercialization processes. "It is also not true that companies are afraid to collaborate with universities. Just this past year, I participated in many meetings where both sides acted in contrast to these stereotypical views. I am convinced that as a university, we can sell and license more and more of our solutions because they genuinely address the technological challenges of many companies. I am very pleased that the university’s authorities are consistently investing in the commercialization of intellectual property. This requires time, effort, and commitment, but satisfied clients return and help speed up the sales process once the path is cleared.”

In 2024, the Warsaw University of Technology engaged in discussions with several large business partners, including those from the chemical, furniture, and mining industries, as well as in the fields of security and defense.