The Technological Transfer and the spin-offs’ creation in healthcare industry

The thesis examines the development and implementation of spin-off companies especially in the clinical and health sector through the Technology Transfer Offices or similar of the IRCSS in Italy. This work stems from the awareness of how important the role of technology and innovation is nowadays on the basis of the phenomenon of Open Innovation. It will deal with the role played by universities as a source of creation of technology and innovation, in a world that is increasingly pushing towards the enhancement of research from an economic and entrepreneurial point of view. Hence the focus on clarifying and fully defining the process of technology transfer, understanding what it consists of, how it is born, how it is conceived at a global and European level. Subsequently we will move towards the definition of the Technology Transfer Office, going to deepen what role it plays, what is its function and mission, what are the strengths and weaknesses of these offices both within universities and public bodies of Research, all in relation to the third and fourth mission of the Universities, which is why these UTTs are born. The aim is to understand how the enhancement of research carried out in universities and public research bodies takes place through technology transfer and the UTTs, through which tools and seeing if there have been improvements over time, if there are changes to processes to be implemented, if the regulatory context is well defined or there are deficiencies. Following the discussion of what is written above, we continue paying greater attention to the issue concerning the enhancement of research through the creation of spin-off companies specifically. The importance of this tool is described, and the law in force is analyzed, commenting on its applicability and topicality. Subsequently, the Italian reality of the IRCCS is outlined, in which their relevance in a context where innovation is the key to success is highlighted. In fact, we are talking about sectors such as Medtech and Pharma that are in continuous development and collect large sums on a global level for the financing of innovative and technological projects, thus representing the market segment in which to invest in the future. The aim of this thesis is, through the analysis of two case studies (CRO of Aviano and IRCSS De Bellis of Castellana Grotte), to highlight the common problems despite the different realities for the history of the Institute and for the social fabric, trying to propose some practical solutions for regulation, which to date does not appear standard, so that these IRCCS do not face the difficulties each in their own way, but that there is a common line of action that favors the success of the creation of spin-offs.