This article discusses the process of innovation in terms of patents a
nd knowledge transfer from public sector research institutions and pri
vate inventors to industry. It also discusses the results of the Danis
h patent dissemination system in relation to international results, an
d includes a review of what has happened to the patents that have been
mediated by the public sector to industry. The great majority of the
inventions patented were never produced. Most of these inventions were
either not fully developed or not adjusted to market requirements. Th
e conclusion is that it is very difficult to implement outside knowled
ge in commercial companies, and that public technology policy is great
ly influenced by the 'science push' idea.