Technology transfer

Technology transfer (TT), also called transfer of technology (TOT), is the process of transferring (disseminating) technology from the person or organization that owns or holds it to another person or organization, in an attempt to transform inventions and scientific outcomes into new products and services that benefit society.[1][2] Technology transfer is closely related to (and may arguably be considered a subset of) knowledge transfer.

A comprehensive definition of technology transfer today includes the notion of collaborative process as it became clear that global challenges could be resolved only through the development of global solutions. Knowledge and technology transfer plays a crucial role in connecting innovation stakeholders and moving inventions from creators to public and private users.[3]

Intellectual property (IP) is an important instrument of technology transfer, as it establishes an environment conducive to sharing research results and technologies.[4][5] Analysis in 2003 showed that the context,[6] or environment, and motives of each organization involved will influence the method of technology transfer employed. The motives behind the technology transfer were not necessarily homogenous across organization levels, especially when commercial and government interests are combined.[7] The protection of IP rights enables all parties, including universities and research institutions to ensure ownership of the scientific outcomes of their intellectual activity, and to control the use of IP in accordance with their mission and core values. IP protection gives academic institutions capacity to market their inventions, attract funding, seek industrial partners and assure dissemination of new technologies through means such as licensing or creation of start-ups for the benefit of society.[8]

  1. ^ Bozeman, Barry (1 April 2000). "Technology transfer and public policy: a review of research and theory". Research Policy. 29 (4): 627–655. doi:10.1016/S0048-7333(99)00093-1.(subscription required)
  2. ^ "What is technology transfer?". Competence Centre on Technology Transfer. European Commission. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  3. ^ CASE STUDIES ON COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN R&D INSTITUTIONS IN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (PDF). Fourteenth Session of Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), Geneva, November 10 to 14, 2014. World Intellectual Property Organization. 23 September 2014. CDIP/14/INF/9.
  4. ^ "What is Tech Transfer, Anyway?". Washington, D.C.: AUTM. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  5. ^ Cannady, Cynthia (September 2006). "Technology Transfer and Development". WIPO Magazine. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  6. ^ Kremic, Tibor (April 2003). "Technology Transfer: A Contextual Approach". The Journal of Technology Transfer. 28 (2). Springer: 149–158. doi:10.1023/A:1022942532139. S2CID 152744672.(subscription required)
  7. ^ "Technology Transfer in Countries in Transition: Policy and Recommendations" (PDF). WIPO.int. August 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  8. ^ "Project on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: Common Challenges - Building Solutions (Recommendations 19, 25, 26 and 28)". www.wipo.int. Retrieved 2021-12-31.