The Equity Imperative

This chapter explores the fact that commercialization presents additional challenges for individuals who are not stereotypical inventors—that is, who are not white/Asian men. In the United States, societal movements such as Black Lives Matters and the Women’s March are shining a light on structural inequities that disadvantage women and minorities. The world of commercialization is no different. This chapter briefly discusses the representation of women, black, Latinx, and indigenous inventors in academia and then delves into some causal factors that disadvantage women and minorities in tech transfer. A number of efforts are being made to redress the imbalance. For example, recommendations have been made for explicit language in tenure and promotion materials, which will encourage women and minority faculty to consider commercialization, and specialized institutional programs to address the gender gaps in commercialization.