Executive Summary

Overview of Recommendations

In addition to the detailed findings of each working group presented in this report, the EWGs were asked to prioritize the top three recommendations per group. The individual working group report sections offer additional recommendations.

New Models for Technology Licensing

Develop New Standard Agreements for Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property

To support entrepreneurs and startups, the MIT Technology Licensing Office (TLO) should develop a new standard licensing agreement that can be completed quickly. The new agreement would incorporate an initial limited non-commercial license and an option to license intellectual property (IP).

Keep Startups Apprised of Anticipated Patent Costs

Startups should be responsible for patent costs, but the TLO should use payment plans as a way for startups to deal with above-average costs. By reminding enterprises of their responsibilities without unduly encumbering them, the TLO can prevent the run-up of large unpaid patent costs.

Develop New Corporate-Sponsored Research Agreements

In the spirit of promoting enhanced opportunities for collaborative innovation between MIT and industry, the Institute should explore an increased menu of corporate sponsorship agreements that capitalize on the potential gains of a truly open innovation model.

Facilities Access

Establish a Phased Approach for Facilities Access

MIT will require time to develop the necessary frameworks for widespread voluntary facilities access. In the short term, the Institute should leverage pre-existing facilities access protocols while it develops a new blanket facilities program interface (FPI) agreement. The Engine should look for alternate short-term space to fill the roughly 20% of its needs not accommodated by the Engine Room makerspace.

Update and Disseminate Access Policies, Agreements, and Logistical Support

MIT should create a new standard access agreement—an FPI—with customizable addenda for use by all departments, labs, and centers (DLCs). The Institute also should provide standard supporting materials to manage, track, and charge The Engine and its portfolio companies for facilities access.

Develop a Master Database and Complementary Technology Plan

MIT should build a master database that may be used by the separate facilities management platforms of MIT (Mobius) and the Engine Room. MIT and The Engine also must develop a joint strategy for coordinating the software needed to prepare materials for processing on MIT equipment.

Conflict of Interest

Endorse Existing Financial Conflict of Interest Principles

Senior members of the MIT administration should reinforce the need to adhere to MIT’s existing COI guiding principles with visible endorsements of support.

Increase Community Understanding

The Institute should commit the requisite resources to expand on existing efforts to develop more user-friendly tools and guidance documents to address the administrative burden on our faculty and community in responding to COI.

Update Conflict of Interest Approaches

MIT needs to expand its COI processes to include more organizational COI considerations and mechanisms for ongoing review. The Institute also should offer more flexibility for faculty, students, and affiliates to participate in low-risk startup activities.

Visas for Entrepreneurs

Create Educational and Degree Programs that Incorporate Entrepreneurial Activities

To increase opportunities for international students who want to engage in on- and off-campus experiential learning, internships, and training opportunities, MIT should create educational and degree programs that incorporate entrepreneurial activities in degree requirements.

Expand MIT Eligibility for Work Visas

By including entrepreneurial experience and promise as admission criteria, MIT should expand the eligibility of international students for work visas. The Institute also should accept sponsored research that might facilitate concurrent employment opportunities at MIT and at outside companies.

Support Common Visa and Immigration Needs

MIT should expand the resources and services it offers to international students and scholars to help with common visa and immigration needs. The Institute also should provide shared resources for best practices, templates, consultation, referrals, and expertise that would be available to The Engine and its portfolio companies.

MIT Innovation Ecosystem

Alleviate Bottlenecks for Startup Teams

MIT needs to provide additional resources for the campus community that will help avoid bottlenecks and help startup teams bridge the gap between the hatching of an idea and an official launch. A “proto-Engine” community space, for example, could be managed across the key entrepreneurship programs and support student teams before they incorporate or graduate.

Create New Mechanisms to Promote Idea Development

The Institute should create additional mechanisms on campus that will help students develop their ideas while they are still members of the MIT community. A new “innovation master’s degree” with a structure similar to that of Course 6A could give students an additional year to pursue an idea, work on internships, and gain additional innovation skills that would prepare them for participation in The Engine.

Establish Shared Rules of Engagement

By developing rules of engagement that define the interactions between The Engine and MIT student teams, the Institute will ensure that entrepreneurship programs maintain their focus on students’ educational pursuits.

As the following summary reports make clear, this exercise has led to a rich set of discussions and thoughtful reflections about MIT and its current innovation-related operations, rules, and practices. These recommendations certainly will enhance MIT’s relationship to and collaboration with The Engine. Perhaps more importantly, they will stimulate efforts to improve MIT’s innovation capabilities more broadly. This is an exciting prospect for MIT as it embarks on a new chapter in its work to take on the world’s greatest challenges.