AUTM Policy:

Criteria for Taking a Formal Position on Issues and/or Proposed Legislation
Approved by the AUTM Board of Trustees October 8, 2002


Introduction:
AUTM is, first and foremost, an organization dedicated to strengthening the field of technology transfer by enabling the professional development of individuals involved with the licensing of innovation originating in universities, teaching hospitals and nonprofit research institutions. These individuals, who represent academia and industry, facilitate the movement of innovation from laboratories to the commercial marketplace, where that innovation ultimately benefits the public.

The complexity of this process is reflected in the diversity of AUTM membership. Because of this divergence in both the field and the association, members' views about any particular issue often vary significantly.

Much of AUTM's work in the public arena focuses on educating decision makers about the field as well as the potential impact of certain legislative, regulatory or legal activity. The association is recognized as the leading organization in technology transfer internationally, in large part because AUTM educates and communicates effectively with public officials - rather than lobby according to the wishes of any segment of the overall AUTM membership. The association also seeks to keep members informed about issues so individuals can respond in a way appropriate to their particular circumstances.

However, AUTM recognizes that issues can emerge that challenge the entire field of technology transfer. During these times, AUTM is justified to move beyond the role of educator and communicator, and strongly advocate a specific position. These rare instances require AUTM to act in a decisive, effective and timely manner; the association uses the following guidelines to identify when such action is appropriate.

Guiding Concepts:

• As an individual membership organization, AUTM does not represent academic institutions but does represent the academic technology transfer profession.
• AUTM recognizes that its members are diverse and hold varying opinions and it cannot presume to speak unilaterally for all members on any issue.
• These criteria may be applied worldwide.
• AUTM is dedicated to providing its members with information to assist them in assessing issues and/or proposed legislation. This document is intended to guide decision-making when a formal organizational position may be appropriate.

1. Consider the general criteria for all AUTM actions, which is that they:
1. Benefit members and the profession
2. Advance AUTM's mission and goals (see below)
3. Be economically sound

If these general criteria can be met, AUTM may consider taking a position.

2. AUTM should consider taking a position if there is a thorough understanding of the issue AND any of the following conditions exist:
1. There are individuals or organizations taking a position inconsistent with the general criteria above
2. The consequences of AUTM's lack of action or response would affect AUTM's ability to carry out its mission and/or would affect the AUTM brand, identity or reputation.
3. The issue directly affects the university technology transfer profession
4. AUTM's lack of action or response would allow decisions to be made based on misinformation to or misunderstanding by policy makers or others, resulting in a serious diminishing the reputation of AUTM, the individuals in the profession, the environment in which AUTM members carry out their work, or the ability to continue positive impact due to academic technology transfer
In formulating a position, AUTM will strive to understand the views and sensitivities of affected academic institutions employing AUTM members. Taking a position may include testimony on behalf of AUTM to policy makers and/or signing of position statements by AUTM alone or in conjunction with other organizations.
3. AUTM may choose NOT to take a position if:
1. There are other organizations taking a position on the issue, consistent with the general criteria
2. There are individual universities taking a position on the issue, consistent with the general criteria
3. There are viable options other than taking a position, such as providing accurate information to policy makers or others through direct communication, the media, testimony or cooperation with other organizations
4. There is a consensus among the AUTM Board of Trustees not to take a position

Process for Considering Issues/Taking Action

1. A member or other interested party shall present a position paper to the President and Executive Committee who shall be the initial filter. The paper, addressing the general criteria, shall include the following:
1. A thorough description of background information pertaining to the proposed legislation or regulation.
2. A rationale for why AUTM should adopt a position on the issue.
3. A motion to be voted on by the Board of Trustees describing the action being requested of the board.
4. An implementation plan to be voted on by the Board of Trustees describing actions to be carried out in the name of AUTM.
2. If it is the opinion of the President and Executive Committee that the issue should be raised to the next level and the paper fully addresses the issue, they shall present the position paper to the Board of Trustees. A decision to take a position requires approval of the Board of Trustees.
3. At any step in the process, the reviewing person or group may request additional information, clarification or modification from the originator.

AUTM Vision, Mission and Goals
Adopted by the AUTM Board of Trustees October 27, 2001; Amended January 14, 2002

VISION
To be the premier organization representing academic technology transfer professionals in the world.

MISSION
To promote, support and enhance the global academic technology transfer profession through internal and external education, training and communication. GOALS

1. To create broad understanding of the technology transfer process and its impact on society.
2. To develop and promote best practices in the profession.
3. To enhance the value of AUTM membership.
4. To communicate effectively with members.
5. To make AUTM an international organization.
6. To ensure that AUTM has the organizational and governance structure to achieve its vision and mission.