Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is when knowledge, technology or a production organization practice created by one object is used in the activity of another. Whether it is a knowledge transfer from fundamental research into applied technologies or just an exchange of production practice between two commercial objects it is a process of a human intellect, which is implemented through education, scientific literature or a direct human contact.

Technology transfer is a process which allows using a created technology by initiating communication between concerned parties. An example of such communication is the invention of gun powder. This invention was a breakthrough in the military history. We can just imagine what effect it had on the enemy which did not know this technology, when the Chinese used the gun powder for the first time in the 8th century. Invention of PC can illustrate the enormous economical and social effect of the usage of transferred technologies.

Therefore, technology transfer is becoming the corner stone of the regional economical and social development.

Technology transfer can be carried out in three directions:

Science to science.

A way of a new technology from fundamental research to its application value is quite long. Before a technology is presented to a user it is often tested at various laboratories and assessed by different science field experts. In order to ensure the maximal application effect of a new technology, special assessment groups are being formed consisting of scientists from various science fields. Scientific inventions and discoveries are assessed and developed by different scientific subjects and published in the scientific literature.

Science to business.

This is a knowledge and technology commercialization process, which is implemented through communication between science and businesses by creation of innovative products and services.

Business to business.

This is a transfer of production or organizational practices. Many of technology transfer processes are implemented with the help of qualified experts - technology transfer centers.

Technology transfer process can be described by a nine step scheme:

1. Research

Research generates discoveries and inventions which are the primary subjects of technology transfer process. Technologies are created during a research process.

2. The primary agreement

If during a research primary signs emerge that a new commercially attractive technology will be created or a new idea is being generated, it is necessary to sign a primary agreement with a technology transfer center. That is very important while discussing technology transfer possibilities. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

3. Technology transfer agreement

A technology transfer agreement is the beginning of the process; it has to include a detailed description of the technology, principles of commercialization and the financial responsibility.

4. Technology evaluation

During a technology evaluation its commercialization and patenting possibilities are assessed. The commercial potential of the technology is evaluated and allows deciding on the transfer method: licensing, a direct transfer or foundation of a company.

5. Patenting

Patenting is establishment of a technology creator's intellectual property. A patent ensures the creator's rights to the new technology, materializes it legally and makes it accessible to sale.

6. Marketing

Launching of technologies like of any other product is performed through a marketing campaign. For this it is necessary to create a net of partners, to identify potential clients, to construct and format the technological product.

7. Licensing

Licensing is a technology selling/using agreement, which is signed between the owner of the technology and a buyer. A licensing agreement defines the processes of the technology use and its acquisition as well as principles of financial accounting.

8. Commercialization

Commercialization means turning a technology into a material product when the technology buyer invests into a product creation and selling. The creator also takes part in the commercialization process as the process requires technological support, therefore, there is a need of training, technical consulting and additional research.

9. Income

A sign of a successful technology transfer is income from the transfer process. In case there are more than two parties, during the remuneration, the financial scheme, foreseen in the commercialization agreement, should be applied. Technology transfer is an extremely important process ensuring the financial functioning of scientific institutions and even regions.

Scientists while evaluating a technology transfer process should take into consideration the following advantages:

• technology transfer guarantees financing of scientific research;
• technology transfer attracts talented staff and scientists to university laboratories.

Entrepreneurs, while evaluating the technology transfer process, should take into consideration the following advantages:

• technology transfer creates new superior products;
• technology transfer increases efficiency of your business;
• technology transfer increases your competitiveness;
• technology transfer increases the purchasing power of your region.

The KSTP takes into consideration the modern perspectives of economy and aims to increase the competitiveness of Klaipeda businesses; therefore, it has also become a technology transfer center. The Park increases the net of partners which enables to successfully implement the technology transfer process in the Klaipeda Region.