Technology transfer is the movement of inventions, materials, software, technical knowledge or trade secrets from one organisation to another or from one purpose to another. The technology transfer process is guided by the policies, procedures and values of each organisation involved in the process.
Also known as transfer of technology (ToT), technology transfer can take place between universities, businesses and governments, either formally or informally, to share skills, knowledge, technologies, manufacturing methods, and more. This form of knowledge transfer helps ensure that scientific and technological developments are available to a wider range of users who can then help develop or exploit it. This transfer can occur horizontally across different areas or vertically by moving technologies, for example, from research centres to research and development teams.
Tech transfer is promoted at conferences organised by AIIRF – EDII so that investors can assess the prospect of commercialisation for a groundbreaking new product or service.
This commercialization can involve the creation of joint ventures, licensing agreements and partnerships to share the risks and rewards. This can also be coupled with the raising of venture capital, which is generally more common in the United States than in Europe, for example. Research institutions, governments and businesses may also use the services of technology transfer offices to help with the process. These offices may include economists, engineers, lawyers, marketing experts and scientists.
An important part of tech transfer is the protection of intellectual property (IP) associated with innovations developed at research institutions. This can mean licensing patented intellectual property to outside businesses or the creation of start-up companies to license the IP.
AIIRF – EDII is working on bridging the existing gap between the industrial/societal needs and academic research works through “Technology Transfer Initiative’.
Faculty members and researchers can take part in this initiative and can commercialize/transfer their research findings for the benefit of society.
On commercializing a research work, the faculty’s “H” index will be boosted and it will help them in future for their career advancement. Meanwhile the society/industry will also get soltions for various problem statements on collaborating with academia.