life sciences innovation ecosystems in turkey
TRANSCRIPT
Contents
I: Components of an Innovation Ecosystem
II: Life Sciences Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
III: How UAG Can Contribute to Innovation in Turkey
Innovation – The Basic Elements
Innovation
Government Policy Basic and translational research;
Development of human talent, entrepreneurship and competition; Immigration policy; Patent policy; Start-up support; Fund and follow-up projects with clear deliverables;
Incentivize R&D investment; Stable and consistent policies
overall
Financial CapitalPublic funds; Philanthropic funds; Angel
funds; Venture capital financing
Human CapitalQuality of education
and access to training resources; Intellectual fulfillment and financial
incentives; Opportunity for career
development
Technology & Knowhow
Internal build up and/or import from outside
Turkey – population 75 million18th largest economy in the worldProduction driven, low-medium techObjective: Transform into a knowledge-based economy for smart growth
2023 TargetsBecome one of ten largest economies of the worldBecome a leading country in R&D; raise R&D expenditure from 0.8% to 3% of GDP
Health declared priority areaMedicines export: 595m TL; import:5b TL (2012)Develop first Turkish drug by 2023
Government IncentivesFrom R&D infrastructure all the way to product marketing, attractive incentives from government agencies, including MoDev, MoSIT, MoEcon, TUBITAK, KOSGEB, TUSEB (2017).
Life Science Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
GOVERNMENT POLICY
StrengthsIncreased R&D Funding (TUBITAK 1964-2003 cumulative 1.8b TL; 2015 3,2b TL)Support Programs (Entrepreneurship; Start-up, incentivizing R&D investment)Support of Establishment of TTOsSupport for Establishment of Funds
Room for ImprovementContinuing efforts already in place; Stability and consistency in policy (innovation and market entry have very long timelines); long-term investment for development of human talent; Patent policy (Bolar exemption); follow-up and follow-on funding
Life Science Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
FINANCIAL CAPITAL
Fund of FundsTurkey Investment Fund (TIF) 250m TLTurkish Growth and Innovation Fund (TGIF) 200m Eur
Seed Funds (relatively easy to find)EIF-supported DCP and ACT -> commercializing applied research from universities
Not enough VC funds- limiting step in startup and scaleup
There is no life-science dedicated fund in Turkey- we think this is necessaryThis is a niche area that requires immense knowhow and expertise
Life Science Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
HUMAN CAPITAL
Brain DrainLarge number of successful Turkish PhDs opting to work abroadThousands of Turkish students leave Turkey to receive education; many do not returnTUBITAK providing grants to researchers who come back
Life Science Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
TECHNOLOGY & KNOWHOW
Internal Build-UpOrganic growth and Buildup (slow)Clusters and consortia as platforms of collaboration: INOVITA, ITAM, ISEK
Import Returning Scientists (not nearly enough)TUBITAK-NIH support for R&D collaborationsHorizon 2020- supporting international collaborations
Life Science Innovation Ecosystem in Turkey
TECHNOLOGY & KNOWHOW
GAPS
Good ideas in academia but so far no major success stories for innovation in life sciences
Technology Transfer- efforts in place but lack of knowhow
Commercialization- From bench to the market: Business development; IP management; go-to-market strategy; company formation and team-building; strategic partnerships; financing and exit strategy
Why we are interested in Turkey
Sector PotentialStrong engineering base, strong scientific diaspora, entrepreneurial drive, government support, much room for growth within an emerging economy
Market PotentialGeography: Links to Europe, Middle East and Turkic countries
ScienceWe come across interesting technologies- good work should not go to waste
Our experience tells as it can be doneWe have contributed to success stories in similar contexts
The Gaps UAG Can Fill in Turkey
Innovation
Government PolicyPolicy advice and development
focusing on best practices around the globe;
Creation of public-private partnerships (discovery
research to product)
Financial CapitalFundraising (seed through IPO);
Fund management; Mergers and Acquisitions
Human CapitalTalent management;
Interim hands-on management during
start-up or critical organizational
transitions
Technology & KnowhowCommercialization: from bench to
market;Technology Transfer and Licensing;
R&D portfolio management