Key elements of technology commercialization: A case study of a license of rubber latex technology in Thailand

Abstract

This paper discusses key elements of technology commercialization by using a case study of a license of rubber latex technology in Thailand. Thailand is ranked number one as the world producer and exporter of natural rubber. Natural rubber would replace many parts of existing synthetic rubber due to limited availability of crude oil in the future. Nonetheless, current manufacturing process of fresh latex still has many technical constraints such as limited shelf life, toxicity from preservation and waste management. Thus, a research group from the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) has come up with a package of solutions, resulting in commercialization to the industry. To this achievement, selected key elements of success commercialization of technology are discussed in this paper.