University technology transfer differs slightly from a purely commercial transfer because it takes intellectual property developed in the ivory tower, so to speak, and moves it into the world of commerce. This requires a different set of skills from those practiced by students, staff members or University faculty, who are concerned solely with pure science. If university technology transfer is to succeed, a different set of expert professionals must take over the job: their mission is to translate scientific innovations into commercial terms, including proper legal protection. These university technology transfer professionals are in charge of the practical application of these inventions, through to providing strong patent protection and keeping up to date with the latest statutes, among other actions.

One of the advantages of university technology transfer is the university's capacity to bring together nonprofit and academic agencies, and provide the infrastructure and facilities to analyze licensing opportunities. These actions reflect the university's basic values while also benefiting the public. University technology transfer allows for more networking and sharing of information with other nonprofit organizations or government research institutes. The Hebrew University encourages the development of technology while Yissum works to safeguard the university's exclusive patents and settles legal issues.

University technology transfer occurs in a setting where all legal action is very carefully weighed. For this reason, Yissum includes legal experts in its team in addition to its market analysts, who keep abreast of export regulations and the global marketplace to safeguard the university-developed technology. The Hebrew University technology transfer moves innovations onto the market: HU-developed innovations under the auspices of Yissum are at the forefront of medical and pharmaceutical research to fight cancer and find applications to benefit humanity, which is in keeping with the university’s values.