Facilitate Technology Transfer Research Articles

Advancing urban water autonomy: A Social Life Cycle Assessment of rainwater harvesting systems in Mexico City

This study conducts a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) in Mexico City to evaluate their social performance. Given the city's pressing water scarcity, RWHS have become critical for promoting water autonomy and sustainable urban development. The research integrates quantitative data from surveys and interviews with RWHS users and organizational employees, along with qualitative analysis using the Product Social Impact Assessment (PSIA) approach. This methodology allows for a thorough examination of socio-environmental dynamics influenced by RWHS adoption. Our findings show high acceptance of RWHS among users and highlight progressive labor practices, underscoring RWHS's potential to transform urban water management. This study, the first to evaluate this ecotechnology through an S-LCA, identifies the need for a multidimensional approach to understand socio-economic and environmental intersections with water systems. It also underscores NGOs' role in facilitating technology transfer and adoption in urban communities. Recommendations include extending the S-LCA methodology to cover the entire RWHS lifecycle and incorporating broader social science theories to deepen understanding of water sustainability interventions. The results offer new insights into RWHS assessment, emphasizing the complexities of deploying decentralized water technologies in a mega-city and laying groundwork for policy recommendations that support sustainable, equitable water access.

Facilitating technology transfer in Norway by promoting innovation and collaboration

Facilitating technology transfer in Norway by promoting innovation and collaboration

National and International Collaboration and its Impact on Economic Development

National and international collaboration plays a pivotal role in the globalized world’s economic development. This research paper examines the definition of such collaboration and its significant impact on economic growth. It delves into the economic benefits, challenges, and strategies for successful collaboration. The paper also explores the influence of collaboration on the global economy and its potential to reduce poverty and inequality. Collaboration is shown to facilitate technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and mutual economic growth, but it also presents hurdles like trust issues and divergent motivations. Strategies, such as proper preparation and facilitation, are recommended to mitigate these challenges. Collaboration between stakeholders, including universities, enterprises, and governments, contributes to economic development and innovation. It is especially significant in addressing global economic issues and building a green economy to alleviate poverty and inequality. Collaboration not only strengthens economic ties between countries but also promotes social and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving a more prosperous and equitable world while addressing the complexities and opportunities it presents in the context of economic development.
 
 Received: 3 February 2024 / Accepted: 5 March 2024 / Published: 23 March 2024

The role of university leaders’ overseas experience in facilitating technology transfer

The role of university leaders’ overseas experience in facilitating technology transfer

Evaluation of relationship between nonmetallic mineral resources production and sustainable development

This research delves into the repercussions of nonmetallic resource production on sustainability across 23 Asian economies from 2000 to 2021, employing the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) technique. A 1% upswing in nonmetallic resource production triggers a transient 0.04% decline in sustainability, followed by a durable 0.14% upturn. Immediate effects stem from environmental resource strain, while prolonged impacts signify economic and technological growth, fostering sustainability. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) detrimentally influences sustainability by diminishing purchasing power, whereas trade openness positively contributes by facilitating technology transfer. The limited role of patent applications in promoting sustainability underscores the necessity for advancements in green patents. Initially, GDP per capita has a negative impact, but it transitions to positive in the long run, indicating a connection between income growth and sustainability. Income levels significantly influence short-term sustainability impact, particularly in lower-income countries. Policymakers are advised to prioritize efficiency, circular economy practices, green financial instruments, and sustainable corporate management to bolster sustainability in nonmetallic resource production.

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and Back: Sardinia, Iberia, and the Transfer of Knowledge in Late Bronze Age Networks

Abstract Sardinia was a hub of sea routes in the Final Bronze Age, c. 1200–850 BC, connecting the Aegean and the Levant in the East with the Iberian Atlantic façade in the West at its latitudinal extremes. Although situated some 1,200 nautical miles apart, bronze working techniques on the island, specific decorations, and implement typologies were clearly related to those in western Iberia, which was a pivotal node connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean worlds. Without doubt, individuals have travelled between and beyond both regions, and transported objects alongside technological as well as theoretical information. Although serious challenges accompanied the multi-directional intensification of interactions, the local communities had innovative responses to them, managing to integrate new people and knowledge. The general aim of this contribution is to provide a theoretical framework with which to analyse the motivations and social mechanisms for cooperation and communication that facilitated technology transfer in an environment of dispersed, socially heterogeneous communities. The exchanges and interactions within this decentralised network must have been self-organised by individuals and communities, and encompassed all forms of entanglement. Consequently, practises of self-governance, hospitality, conflict management, and inter-group communication as well as shared symbols are of central interest.

Pharmaceutical corporate power, traditional medical knowledge, and intellectual property governance in China

In China, recent years have witnessed significant growth in the pharmaceutical industry and an acceleration in pharmaceutical innovation. As a knowledge-intensive sector, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in China marks an increasing need for protecting the enormous amounts of money invested in research and development. Arguably, the most efficient way for industry actors to recover their investments is through granting a limited duration of exclusive IP rights for the use and production of their products. Against this backdrop, over the past decades, China has adopted a series of IP-related laws and regulatory policies in China. On this basis, corporate demands and legislative efforts in China have led us to believe that a sound IP system that is compatible with China’s development needs would necessarily help stimulate investment, facilitate technology transfer, and more importantly, allocate the rights and benefits over knowledge and resources among various stakeholders. This is because, at first sight, the IP rights approach contains an obvious solution to the problem of misappropriation or free riding by addressing the problem of non-excludability of traditional medical knowledge (TMK) and associated genetic resources. However, the real picture couldn’t be more complex and different. The analysis of this article finds that China’s existing IP systems supply a conducive context for pharmaceutical corporations to exploit the system’s full strategic potential in plundering TMK and associated genetic resources. This situation has placed local communities and other TMK holders in China at a disadvantage.

Sources of strength: mapping the defence sector in Europe

ABSTRACTThe European Union defence sector is not only crucial for the EU’s security, but it is also a major industrial asset for EU member states, as it may foster innovation and greater integration among member states, as well as facilitate technology transfer. The understanding of and inferences about the sector, however, are laborious since data on the defence industry in Europe is often contradictory and confused and it is mostly compared at the national not at the European level. As a contribution to address such shortcomings and as opening piece for this Special Issue, this article focuses on the finding, collecting, cleaning, and organizing data on the geographical concentration/location of EU defence industries. This is a fully original descriptive analysis of the current situation, and it provides a reliable basis on the concentration/location of defence companies. This paper represents a firm basis from which to explore (in future research) how defence companies contribute to the technological integration of the EU and it should help the reader to better understand the following articles in this Special Issue.

VALIDATING AN INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE OPEN INNOVATION PRACTICES IN RESEARCH COMMERCIALIZATION

The Open Innovation Practice is getting well known as an initiative to help increase the rate of commercializing research output. Implementing open innovation practices within academia is essential in facilitating collaboration, fostering knowledge sharing, and facilitating technology transfer between academic institutions and industries. This pilot study aims to investigate and assess the validity and reliability of the instrument used to measure open innovation practices. Quantitative methodology was employed in this study, and data were gathered via a survey from 109 respondents. The respondents are among the lecturers at public universities in Malaysia that are actively involved in the commercialization of research output. The descriptive analysis shows that the respondents often practice open innovation in commercializing their research output. During the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), the findings indicated that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value for the open innovation practice is 0.885, showing no severe problem of multicollinearity and Barlett's Test of Sphericity demonstrates a statistically significant result. No item is eliminated in this study. Meanwhile, the reliability test for nine instrument items in open innovation practice is accepted with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.916. To conclude, the discovery from this study indicates that the instrument acquires high validity and reliability and is well prepared to be tested for future stages.

Eco-Friendly Transitions in Top Ten CO2 Producing Countries: A Dynamic Panel Investigation of Green Finance, Technology Transfer and Financial Development for Reducing Environmental Degradation

This study delves into the imperative challenge of fostering eco-friendly transitions within the top 10 CO2 producing countries, employing a sophisticated dynamic panel investigation. Centered on the pivotal drivers of green finance, technology transfer, and financial development, the research seeks to comprehensively understand their synergistic role in mitigating environmental degradation. Utilizing advanced econometric techniques, notably the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model, the investigation unfolds the intricate dynamics and nonlinear relationships shaping the effectiveness of these transitions over time. The findings not only contribute empirical insights but also bear substantial policy implications. They underscore the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to incentivize green investments, facilitate technology transfer, and promote financial development geared towards sustainability. In addressing the environmental challenges posed by these leading CO2 emitters, this research advocates for a holistic approach that integrates economic growth with environmental stewardship, thereby paving the way for transformative and resilient eco-friendly practices on a global scale.

In Vitro Conversion of Coffea spp. Somatic Embryos in SETIS™ Bioreactor System.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is an excellent example of mass plant propagation. Due to its genetic variability and low somaclonal variation, coffee SE has become a model for in vitro propagation of woody species, as well as for large-scale production of vigorous plants that are advantageous to modern agriculture. The success of the large-scale propagation of an embryogenic system is dependent on the development, optimization, and transfer of complementary system technologies. In this study, two successful SE systems were combined with a SETIS™ bioreactor immersion system to develop an efficient and cost-effective approach for the in vitro development of somatic embryos of Coffea spp. This study used an efficient protocol for obtaining somatic embryos, utilizing direct and indirect SE for both C. canephora and C. arabica. Embryos in the cotyledonary stage were deposited in a bioreactor to complete their stage of development from embryo to plant with minimal manipulation. Following ten weeks of cultivation in the bioreactor, complete and vigorous plants were obtained. Different parameters such as fresh weight, length, number of leaves, and root length, as well as stomatal index and relative water content, were recorded. In addition, the survival rate and ex vitro development of plantlets during acclimatization was assessed. The best substrate combination was garden soil (GS), peat moss (PM), and agrolite (A) in a 1:1:0.5 ratio, in which the bioreactor-regenerated plants showed an acclimatization rate greater than 90%. This is the first report on the use of SETIS™ bioreactors for the in vitro development of somatic embryos in Coffea spp., providing a technology that could be utilized for the commercial in vitro propagation of coffee plants. A link between research and innovation is necessary to establish means of communication that facilitate technology transfer. This protocol can serve as a basis for the generation and scaling of different species of agroeconomic importance. However, other bottlenecks in the production chains and the field must be addressed.

Technological Transfer Channels of Food and Beverage Processing Multinationals to Host Countries: An Empirical Analysis

This research examines the possibility of food and beverage (F&B)-processing multinational corporations serving as a viable conduit for the international diffusion of technology. It utilizes existing literature to analyse three potential avenues through which technology transfer occurs from these corporations to host sectors: contract farming, domestic collaboration for innovation, and spillover effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In specific instances, these firms might provide support to local innovators through financial assistance or complementary resources. Additionally, they may actively facilitate technology transfers to particular types of local partners and they may generate demonstration effects. Nevertheless, the prevailing evidence consistently indicates that the impact of FDI on the host sector is generally limited or selective. The findings of this study cast doubt on the overly optimistic views held by international organizations and host governments regarding FDI in the food sector as a major source of cutting-edge technology for host countries. The incentives offered to food and beverage multinationals should be carefully calibrated to strike a balance between acknowledging potential benefits to the sector's innovation system and maintaining a realistic perspective on the actual outcomes. This study combines and analyses three separate empirical lines of research in parallel to offer factual elements for a policy debate. By integrating these different research approaches, the study aims to contribute to a well-informed discussion on relevant policy matters.

Measurement and prediction of the relationships among the patent cooperation network, knowledge network and transfer network of the energy storage industry in China

The commercialization process of energy storage patents affects the development of the energy storage industry. Clarifying the relationships between the characteristics of the applicants and patent transfer can facilitate technology transfer. In this study, China’s energy storage patent data from 2009 to 2021 were divided by the rolling period. Based on this, the patent cooperation network, knowledge network, and transfer network were constructed via social network analysis. The analysis reveals the following. First, the number of industry-university-research institutions that jointly apply for patents is increasing, and the knowledge field is also expanding. Cooperation and transfer activities are more frequent in the eastern developed regions of China. Second, by using grey relational analysis theory, it was found that the degree centrality, closeness centrality, and clustering coefficient of the cooperation network are closely related to the transfer network. Compared with the cooperation network, the energy storage knowledge network has a more significant relationship with the transfer network. The knowledge elements stock of patent transferor and transferee is more relevant to patent transfer activity than the patent stock. This also proves that the knowledge and cooperation networks are decoupled. Additionally, patent applicants for energy storage patents should focus not only on their past average locations to maintain the competitive advantage, but also on future location trends to seize development opportunities. Finally, the proposed recommendations can help applicants facilitate patent transfer activities in the energy storage industry by adjusting the location of the network.

A way forward for climate technology transfer and sustainable development goals

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which was a global effort to address climate change and meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), established the Technology Mechanism Initiative as the key to facilitating technology transfer; however, the target SDGs of this initiative have not been identified. This study reviewed technical assistance (TA) project documents of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), an organization under the Technology Mechanism Initiative, to analyze the general status of climate technology implementation, identify the targeted SDGs using sectoral classification, and examine the current national SDG statuses of TA-participating countries. While sectoral classifications have specific relationships with certain goals, SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action) were primarily referenced as they focused on energy and cross-sector applications. The evaluations also revealed that countries should prioritize poverty- and food-related SDGs. Therefore, expanding TA contributions to SDGs by better grouping sectoral classifications based on regional and local needs was essential because SDGs were linked to both sector-specific and climate technologies. Thus, a climate technology package based on sectoral classifications was proposed to bridge the gap between SDG attainment and the climate change objectives proposed by the Paris Agreement.

Let’s Talk About Patent Act, 1970

The Patent Act of 1970 is a pivotal legislation that has shaped India’s intellectual property landscape and played a significant role in fostering innovation, technological advancement, and economic growth. This abstract provides an overview of the Patent Act, its historical context, key provisions, and its impact on various stakeholders. The Patent Act, enacted in India in 1970, replaced the outdated and restrictive Patents and Designs Act of 1911. It aimed to align the Indian patent system with global standards while addressing the unique needs and challenges of the Indian economy. The Act provided legal protection for new inventions, encouraging inventors to disclose their innovations and contribute to the public domain in exchange for exclusive rights. One of the pivotal features of the Patent Act, 1970 was the introduction of a “process patent” system, which allowed for the patenting of manufacturing processes, thereby stimulating domestic innovation and entrepreneurship. This system also supported the growth of the pharmaceutical industry by facilitating the production of affordable generic drugs. The Act also introduced certain safeguards and limitations to ensure that patents did not hinder public welfare or create barriers to technological progress. It included provisions for compulsory licensing, enabling the government to authorize the use of patented inventions in specific circumstances, such as ensuring access to essential medicines. This provision balanced the interests of patent holders with the public interest. Furthermore, the Patent Act, 1970 established the Indian Patent Office, responsible for granting and administering patents in the country. It provided a framework for patent examination, opposition, and revocation, ensuring a fair and transparent patent granting process. Over the years, the Patent Act, 1970 has had a profound impact on various stakeholders. It has encouraged domestic research and development, leading to technological advancements and increased competitiveness in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and information technology. The Act has also facilitated technology transfer and collaboration between Indian and foreign entities, fostering innovation ecosystems and attracting foreign investment. However, the Act has not been without its challenges. Critics argue that certain provisions, such as Section 3(d) related to patentability criteria for pharmaceuticals, may restrict access to essential medicines or discourage innovation. There have been ongoing debates regarding the balance between incentivizing innovation and ensuring affordable access to patented technologies.

A yield comparison between small-plot and on-farm foliar fungicide trials in soybean and maize

Agronomic research provides management recommendations based on small-plot trials (SPTs) and on-farm trials (OFTs) with very different characteristics. SPTs are traditionally conducted at agricultural experiment stations by research institutes or universities, while OFTs are conducted under commercial-scale conditions and managed by farmers using their own equipment. Several researchers claimed that discrepancies could occur between these two types of trials, which can make the extrapolation of results from SPTs to the farm level difficult. In our study, we conducted an extensive comparison of small-plot and on-farm trials to analyze the effect of foliar fungicide application on maize and soybean yields. We collected data on maize and soybean from five US states. Analysis of the soybean data showed similar mean yield responses and within-trial standard deviation to fungicide application between 479 OFTs and 83 SPTs. For maize, our comparison of 300 OFTs and 114 SPTs showed similar mean yield response in both. Nevertheless, the within-trial standard deviation was three times smaller in on-farm compared to small-plot trials. On the other hand, the between-trial standard deviation (measuring the variability of the effects of fungicide application across different environments) was almost twice as large in SPTs than in OFTs for both crops. Hence, the differences in the effects of fungicide on yield were similar whether they were estimated using OFTs or SPTs for both crops. This implies that OFTs can potentially detect significant yield differences with fewer replicates and thus reduce the cost of data generation. We argue that SPTs can be seen as a preliminary step before scaling up to OFTs to facilitate technology transfer and extrapolate the results in real farming conditions.

Technology transfer from public research institutes to SMEs: A configurational approach to studying reverse knowledge flow benefits

Technology transfer from public research institutes (PRIs) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facilitated by intermediary agents such as Research Scientists and Engineers (RSEs) has received limited attention. Similarly, the literature on intermediary agents has overlooked the reverse knowledge flow benefits enjoyed by the RSEs who facilitate technology transfer. Motivated by these gaps, we aim to answer the following research question: What characteristics and conditions of technology transfer determine the intangible benefits attained by technology transfer intermediary agents? To do so, we leverage the unique research context of the Technology Upgrading (T-Up) transfer policy in Singapore that commissions PRIs to impart technology capabilities in SMEs, facilitated by RSEs who move between organizations to carry out the transfer. Supported by an in-depth field study and survey data from multiple stakeholders that participated in the technology transfer, we apply fuzzy sets qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the configuration of factors influencing the reverse knowledge flow benefits attained by the technology transfer intermediary agents. Our findings on the mutually reinforcing nature of intermediary agent-recipient benefits have important implications for research and practice.

Hybrid Self-Assembling Nanoparticles Encapsulating Zoledronic Acid: A Strategy for Fostering Their Clinical Use.

Self-assembling nanoparticles (SANPs) promise an effective delivery of bisphosphonates or microRNAs in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) and are obtained through the sequential mixing of four components immediately before use. The self-assembling approach facilitates technology transfer, but the complexity of the SANP preparation protocol raises significant concerns in the clinical setting due to the high risk of human errors during the procedure. In this work, it was hypothesized that the SANP preparation protocol could be simplified by using freeze-dried formulations. An in-depth thermodynamic study was conducted on solutions of different cryoprotectants, namely sucrose, mannitol and trehalose, to test their ability to stabilize the produced SANPs. In addition, the ability of SANPs to deliver drugs after lyophilization was assessed on selected formulations encapsulating zoledronic acid in vitro in the T98G GBM cell line and in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model. Results showed that, after lyophilization optimization, freeze-dried SANPs encapsulating zoledronic acid could retain their delivery ability, showing a significant inhibition of T98G cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these results suggest that freeze-drying may help boost the industrial development of SANPs for the delivery of drugs to the brain.

Regional cooperation for mitigating energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa: A context-based approach through the tripartite lenses of access, sufficiency, and mobility

Persistent low electricity access continues to plague Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and has been made more obvious due to the precarious nature of adopted energisation schemes across the region. The absence of resilient electrification schemes within most countries in SSA portends grave danger for the region. Regional cooperation (like the integrated European Union (EU) electricity market) can guarantee stable, secure, and affordable electricity supply across regions when properly regulated. However, such a template as is obtainable in Europe may be impossible to replicate within SSA owing to the peculiar problems, local controversies and very wide variation in regional electrification statistics that exist within the region. This research work pertinently examines the power pools within SSA and argues that improved regional cooperation, especially in tackling the issue of energy poverty and achieving “universal energy access (SDG 7)”, should be pursued on the platform of national energy sufficiency. This argument draws extensively from the geopolitics within the region by different actors and the impact of national interests on regional cooperation. While we do not seek to oppose regional cooperation in electricity trading, we emphasize the need for nations within the region to strive for some level of national energy security through carefully crafted policies and road maps that resonate with their local realities. Regional cooperation should strive to standardise electricity access benchmarks and facilitate technology transfer through existing or improved instruments rather than pushing for more integrated electricity networks.

Characterization and use in neutralization assays of avian influenza codon-optimized H5 and H7 retroviral pseudotypes

Influenza is a relevant problem for public and animal health, with a significant economic impact. In recent years, outbreaks of avian influenza virus have resulted in devastating losses in the poultry industry worldwide, and although its transmission to humans is very rare, there is always a potential risk for an even more severe outbreak. Currently, vaccination is considered the most effective tool for the control and prevention of influenza infections in both humans and animals. The maintenance of animal welfare and the successful implementation of animal health programs depend on the timely administration of vaccines, which must comply with quality specifications indicated by health authorities; for example, the capability to ensure a minimum antibody titer. The production of viral antigens used in these tests can pose a biosafety risk, and some viral strains can be difficult to grow. Therefore, new biotechnological alternatives are required to overcome these disadvantages. In this study, we produced pseudotypes carrying H5 and H7 hemagglutinins from lowly and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. These pseudotypes were used in neutralization assays to detect neutralizing antibodies in avian sera, which were confirmed positive by inhibition of the hemagglutination test. Our results showed that the pseudotype neutralization assay is a viable alternative for the detection of neutralizing antibodies, by demonstrating subtype specificity and requiring reduced biosafety requirements. Therefore, it represents a versatile platform that can facilitate technology transfer protocols between laboratories, and an immediate application in serological tools for quality control of veterinary vaccines against avian influenza.