To strike a balance between ‘Publish or perish’, and ‘invent and patent’

Introduction

Every researcher is bombarded with existential warnings, publish or perish. Patenting innovations or inventions is not generally a priority in the scheme of things on the campuses. That is, academic research has priorities other than the commercial dimension. On the other hand, patenting and commercialization are the major imperatives in the realm of industrial research.

The phrase "publish or perish" reflects the pressure on academics to consistently publish research to sustain or advance their careers. On the other hand, "invent and patent" refers to the commercial and legal protection of intellectual property, emphasizing innovation that can lead to commercialization. Both paths—publishing and patenting—are crucial in the realms of research and innovation, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Publish or Perish

The primary goal in an ideal situation is to disseminate knowledge, contribute to the academic community, and advance the field of study. Academics and researchers are driven by the need to establish credibility, secure funding, and achieve tenure. Publications are a metric of productivity and scholarly impact.

Publishing in peer-reviewed journals or conferences can significantly impact the academic community by advancing knowledge and inspiring further research on the one hand and on the other high-profile publications can influence public policy, social perspectives, and technological advancements, especially if the research addresses societal issues.

Researchers are often under pressure to publish frequently to maintain their academic positions or secure grants. The emphasis is on continuous output and quality becomes a casualty. Here credibility can take a hit.? However, publications often lead to immediate recognition within the academic community, with citations reflecting impact over time.

Academic publishing often involves collaboration with other researchers. Co-authored papers can lead to broader perspectives and more significant findings. There is also space for intense competition to publish in high-impact journals, which can sometimes lead to issues like data manipulation or "salami slicing" (publishing the same research in small, separate papers).

Invent and Patent

The main goal is to protect intellectual property and secure exclusive rights to an invention, allowing for potential commercialization and revenue generation. Innovators and companies are motivated by the desire to capitalize on their inventions, gain a competitive edge in the market, and secure financial returns.

Patents protect innovations that can be commercially developed, leading to economic growth, job creation, and new industries. Patented inventions can drive technological advancements and create new products or services that benefit society.

The process of inventing, patenting, and commercializing an idea can take years. However, once a patent is secured, it provides protection and potential financial benefits for up to 20 years. Recognition may come later, as the success of a patented invention depends on its commercial viability and market adoption.

The race to patent can be highly competitive, with inventors and companies rushing to secure intellectual property rights before others. While patenting can be collaborative, especially within organizations, there is a greater emphasis on confidentiality to protect intellectual property until the patent is filed.

Risks and Challenges

1.??????? Publication

The constant pressure to publish can lead to burnout, reduced quality of research, and ethical dilemmas, such as publishing without thorough peer review. Some publishers publish for payment, capitalizing on the mad rush for published papers. There are even cases where researchers go overseas for a short period of time to publish a paper and then claim that they had an international paper.

Limited Commercialization: Not all research published in academic journals leads to practical applications or commercialization, which can limit its broader societal impact. In many cases, academic research is aimed at a doctoral degree and social impact or commercial relevance are not of much interest.

2.??????? Patenting

Financial Risk: Patenting an invention can be expensive, with no guarantee of financial return. If the invention fails to reach the market or is not commercially viable, the investment can be lost. Unless there is strong patronage most researchers cannot afford to go in for patenting, whereas publication does not incur any financial liabilities.

Ethical and Legal Issues: There may be ethical concerns about patenting certain types of inventions, such as those related to biotechnology or essential medicines. Additionally, patent litigation can be costly and time-consuming.

The best approach depends on the contextual uniqueness

In academic settings, publishing is often the best approach, as it directly contributes to career advancement and the development of knowledge. However, when research has commercial potential, pursuing patents can be beneficial, especially if the academic institution has a strong technology transfer office.

In the industrial context, ?the "invent and patent" approach is often prioritized, as companies focus on protecting their innovations and ensuring a return on investment. However, publishing can still play a role in building a company’s reputation and showcasing expertise.

A balanced strategy may involve both publishing and patenting. Researchers can publish foundational research to build their academic reputation while patenting specific applications or innovations derived from their research for commercialization. Ultimately money matters matter.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between publishing and patenting, the best approach depends on the individual's or organization's goals, the nature of the research or innovation, and the desired impact. In academia, publishing is crucial for career progression and knowledge dissemination, while in industry, patenting is essential for protecting innovations and achieving financial success. A hybrid strategy, where researchers both publish and patent, can often provide the most comprehensive benefits, combining academic recognition with commercial potential.