STRENGTHENING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCIALISATION IN MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE: EXPERIENCES FROM THE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Abstract

While transitioning public research outputs into socio-economic value is a global priority, Government Research Institutes in developing economies face distinct statutory and structural constraints compared to autonomous universities. This study investigates the institutional governance pathways executed by the Fisheries Research Institute of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, to systematically formalise its intellectual property and commercialisation frameworks. Employing a qualitative single-case study method across four operational stages, ranging from boundary setting to systemic lesson extraction, this study data-triangulated procedural records, financial registries, and system milestones spanning 2006 to 2026. The resulting thematic synthesis maps a comprehensive six-layer strategic framework tracking FRI's evolution from an internal administrative foundation to external capability sourcing and downstream value realisation. The findings reveal that successful public sector technology transfer cannot manifest via ad-hoc actions; rather, it requires a chronological transition across interconnected internal and external governance layers. Ultimately, this study formalises a repeatable operational model, providing actionable policy insights and a transferable framework for public sector line agencies in developing nations to manage and commercialise R&D outputs effectively.