Technology Transfer

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Technology Transfer is the process where knowledge, technologies, skills, methods and samples of manufacturing, and facilities are shared among the governments and other institutions. The goal is to take scientific and technological developments to the reach of an extensive array of users so that they can further develop and use the technology in the development of new products, process, materials, applications and services. Closely related to and often considered as the subset of Knowledge Transfer, Technology Transfer is often referred to as “Technology Commercialization” or “Technology Valorization”.

Technology Transfer and Globalization

Technology transfer and globalization are interconnected with each other. They are highly interdependent as well. The onset of globalization has brought up free passage of goods and services across the globe. The role of technology has also changed from time to time. It is currently considered as one of the important factors in the propagation of globalization. Technology transfer consists not only of various scientific researches and discoveries, but also the transformation of such researches and discoveries into practical and feasible applications or products. Technology transfer is one of the major aspects of globalization.

Why Technology Transfer?

This is the age of technology. With the advancement of technology, the sectors like communications have seen an enviable growth. It is also considered as a vital factor for the propagation of the concept of globalization. One can only use the technology to its fullest for development of new products, applications, processes and services only if s/he has got an in-depth knowledge on it. Technology transfer helps one to learn new skills, knowledge, methods, and information.

Technology Transfer Functions

Following are the functions associated with technology transfer:

  • Coordination: It is one of the most important elements of technology transfer. In technology transfer, the coordination between the users of the technology and its developers is of utmost important. Besides, access to necessary internal and external resources to individual projects needs to be provided.

  • Nurture: Before one can successfully transfer technology from the research laboratory to the new business enterprise, it is extremely important to have the proper environment that would support the entrepreneurship. Proper guidance and counseling are also required.

Technology Transfer Process

Most of the companies in the current days have their own “Office of Technology Transfer”, which handle the technology transfer process for the organization. There can be varied methods of commercially exploit research, which may involve setting up joint ventures and partnerships, licensing agreements and introducing new technologies to the market. When the organization is not interested or doesn’t have the necessary skill to develop new technology, other corporate vehicles like spinouts come into action. These approaches often lead to raising of Venture Capital. For commercialization in Canada, Spinoffs are used.

It’s often seen that the offices of the technology transfer work on behalf of research institutions, big multinationals and governments. In the recent past, the number of transfer intermediaries, specialized in their fields has gone up.

Following are the activities in technology transfers:

  • Processing and evaluation invention disclosures
  • Filing for patents
  • Technology Marketing
  • Licensing
  • Protecting Intellectual Property developed from research activities
  • Assistance in creating new businesses as well as the promotion of the existing organization’s success

Constituents of Technology Transfer Process

Following are the constituents of technology transfer process:

  • Technology Transfer
  • Technology Promotion
  • Technology Deployment
  • Technology Innovation
  • Technology Development
  • Technology Assessment
  • Technology Information and Communication
  • Technology Investment
  • Technology Collaboration
  • Technology Commercialization