What is technology transfer?

Technology transfer is the term used to describe the processes by which

technological knowledge moves within or between organisations. International

technology transfer refers to the way in which this occurs between countries.

OR

Technology Transfer also called Transfer of Technology (TOT) and Technology

Commercialisation, is the process of transferring skills, knowledge, technologies,

methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among

governments or universities and other institutions to ensure that scientific and

technological developments are accessible to a wider range of users who can then

further develop and exploit the technology into new products, processes,

applications, materials or services. It is closely related to (and may arguably be

considered a subset of) knowledge transfer.

OR

• Technology Transfer is the process by which technology is disseminated.

• It involves communication of relevant knowledge by the Transferor to the

Recipient.

• It is in the form of technology transfer transaction which way or may not be a

legally binding

The economic view of technology transfer :

Information is the intrinsic core

Technology is the exterior expression

Practice Research Approach

Information economics,

Transaction cost Economics,

Institutional Economics

Technology Transfer Activities include:

processing and evaluating invention disclosures; filing for patents; technology

marketing; licensing; protecting intellectual property arising from research activity;

and assisting in creating new businesses and promoting the success of existing

firms. The result of these activities will be new products, more high-quality jobs, and

an expanded economy. Types of Technology Transfer :

Scientific Knowledge Transfer, Direct Technology Transfer, Spin-off

Technology Transfer

Informal Technology Transfer & Formal Technology Transfer :-

Internal Technology Transfer & External Technology Transfer :-

Internal Technology Transfer refer to such technology transfers /

investments where control on the ownership & usage of technology

resides with the transferor.

EXTERNAL In these transfers, control on the ownership & usage of

technology usually does not remain with transferor and it passes on to the

recipient, like joint venture with local control, licensing agreement etc.

Technology transfer crossing industries.:- U.S. Department of defense

1980 Stevenson-Wydler technology innovation act

1986 technology transfer act

1989 national competitiveness & technology transfer act

E.g., the 2G CDMA mobile technology

International technology transfer: The goose-fleet pattern—the

international technology transfer from U.S. to Japan, and then

retransfer to four Asia Tigers, and Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia,

China, Vietanam, etc. (the TLC model for international technology

transfer according to the cost of factors)

Modes of Payment for Technology Transfer :

• Lump sum payment or periodical instalments

• Royalities as a %age of sales over next few years

• Cross-licensing agreements

• Contracted supply of output

• Issue of equity shares in lieu of technology transferred

Ways “Technology” is Transferred• Consulting

• Graduating students (“moving heads”)

• Faculty moving on (“moving heads”)

• Collaborative research

• Patenting and licensing

• Service and outreach (“extension”)

• Spin-off companies

Technology Transfer Agents:

Constituents of Technology Transfer Processes

Technology Transfer

Technology Promotion

Technology Deployment

Technology Innovation

Technology Development

Technology Research

Technology Assessment

Technology Information and communication

Technology Investment

Technology Collaboration

Technology Commercialization

Tech-Transfer Process

There is a strong need for linkages to be developed and maintained between

industry and research organizations. This requires the effective identification

and specification of research needs, and knowledge of relevant research that

is being conducted. For this to happen, industry needs to be involved at an

early stage of research, so as to be able to participate even in the research

definition stage. At the same time, public sector research organizations need

to be prepared to support industry in the commercialization process. Efforts to

erase preconceptions that build barriers to successful technology transfer

should also be taken.

Proper Research – By proper research we mean firstly that in which the result are

reproducible and issues such as scale up, stability etc and other practical now has

been addressed, also that in which problem were taken up in first place. Proper work- This refer to institutional and guidelines regarding IP Protection

licensing modalities etc. which must be in place beforehand. In the absence of these,

decision get delayed, lack of fairness in decision e.g. case of X institute, which came

up with good technology but since no guidance were there, kept running around for

two years and then gave up.

Pricing – most difficult and critical area of Transfer of technology. - Too high price can put off buyer, leaving the technology unsold. - Too price a result in revenue loss. - There are basically two model regarding pricing

1) Price charged for a technology should depend upon market force i.e. impact of the technology irrespective of amount spent on developing it.

2) Price charged should include all expenses involved in developing it.Publicity – It is important to identify and then approach buyer i.e. adopt targeted Publicity and not blanket publicity. Specific journal, website, letters to manufacturer, personal selective visit etc. are some common approach which help in locating buyer. Partnership – this means working along with industry. Industry takes it up, manufacturer and makes available to society. Partnership are important to ensure your technology is successfully adopted simply conveying the details may not be sufficient.People’s Acceptance – It is no use trying to develop a technology which people will not accept e.g. due to religious reason/social concern etc. genetically modified food, irradiated vegetables processed beef in IndiA improved capsule made of non-vegetarian material.

.

Users/beneficiaries of Technology Transfer:

* technology transfer agents who are responsible for the search, adaptation or

translation, packaging and dissemination, training and ensurement that a new;

* technology is properly implemented, accepted and used to its full potential by a

target user;

* individuals responsible for technology transfer functions;

* individuals charged with the responsibility of making decisions as to whether a

technology is considered for implementation within the organization;

* individuals charged with budgeting responsibilities which encompass evaluating the

cost of new technology;

* individuals charged with strategic and business planning responsibilities within the

organization;

* individuals who are being trained to perform any of the above noted functions;

* inventors, vendors, licensors and purchasers of technology.

Some issues/themes in Technology Transfer:

Basic Understanding Of Technology Transfer

* What is Technology Transfer?

* Overview of Technology Transfer Legislation

* The Who of technology Transfer

* Technology Transfer Related Organizations

Hows and Whys of Technology Transfer

* Types of Technology Transfer

* What Drives Technology Transfer?

* Main Modes of Technology Transfer

* Benefits and Risks of Technology Transfer

Intellectual Property Issues

* Forms of Intellectual Property

* Overview of Patents and Copyrights

* Trademarks and Trade Secrets

* Owning and Protecting Intellectual Property

Technology Transfer Mechanisms

* Overview of TT Mechanisms

* License Agreements

* Government Funded Programs

* Grants and Cooperative Agreement