Technology Transfer Process Research Articles

Managing Intellectual Capital Components in Technology Transfer Processes: The Case of Romanian Public Research Institutes

Managing Intellectual Capital Components in Technology Transfer Processes: The Case of Romanian Public Research Institutes

Understanding technology transfer effectiveness in emerging economies: policy lessons for India

Purpose Despite technology transfer being emphasised in most public policy documents globally, it is not always clear how its effectiveness plays out in developing and emerging economies. This paper aims to bridge this gap by providing a systematic understanding of the processes of technology transfer, the antecedents and determinants, and finally how to measure its effectiveness, particularly in technologically dependent and emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach The paper puts forward a modified contingent effectiveness model of technology transfer based on Bozeman (2000) and Bozeman et al. (2015) and adapts it to incorporate the characteristics of emerging economies. Four major elements of technology transfer are discussed, namely, transfer object, actor characteristics, transfer environment, local environment and how they interact to determine effectiveness. Thereafter, the study shifts its focus to India’s evolving science technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem and discuss the current status, structure and major stakeholders associated with technology transfer. The study also reflects upon the challenges that inhibit effective technology transfer in India. In the last part, the study offers policy recommendations for improving the effectiveness of technology transfer, keeping in view India’s sustainable developmental goals. Findings A significant distinction of the conceptual model from its predecessors lies in its examination of the four dimensions of technology transfer effectiveness through the lens of developing and emerging economies, keeping in mind the inherent strengths, weaknesses and STI practices of the attendant local economy. As a novel contribution, the paper also discusses India’s evolving STI ecosystem backed by recent policy initiatives on technology transfer and the major stakeholders involved. Originality/value The paper constructs a modified contingent effectiveness model of technology transfer with particular emphasis on emerging economies. It also provides a comprehensive overview of India’s complex STI and technology transfer ecosystem, the challenges involved and offers recommendations for policy intervention.

Study of directions of unification of technology transfer in ukraine with the regulation of the European Union

Problem setting. In modern economic conditions, the key to effective economic development of any country is the development of the production sphere of the national economy. At the same time, its level depends on the penetration of knowledge-intensive, advanced and breakthrough technologies. Most economically developed countries even implement integrated state policies aimed at stimulating and scaling technology transfer processes. Thanks to this, the number of those technologies that are implemented in the sphere of public production increases, and the share of highly competitive products increases significantly. The economic system of Ukraine is no exception to this rule. Thus, since 2006, Ukraine has had a special official document the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer”. Its main task is to determine the requirements of how the state (in the form of authorized bodies) will contribute to the scaling process of technology transfer. The course announced by Ukraine for joining the European Union (hereinafter referred to as “the EU”) imposes on it special obligations regarding the unification of regulatory approaches to the identification of technology transfer with EU requirements. The specified situation determines, on the one hand, the relevance of scientific research on this topic, and places on scientists the task of forming relevant proposals. It is science that should shape them and determine effective directions, methods and forms of unification of the principles of functioning of Ukraine with EU requirements and thereby stabilize and intensify the transfer of technologies. Purpose of research is to develop methods and techniques for unifying the regulatory approach to defining the essence of technology transfer in Ukraine with the requirements of the European Union. This will make it possible to formulate recommendations for the Ukrainian public authorities when they implement managerial decisions within the framework of the State technology policy and form the basis for proposals for amending its national regulatory acts. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve the following interrelated tasks: (1) to analyze the state of regulatory support for technology transfer under EU law; (2) to study the state of regulatory support for technology transfer under Ukrainian law; (3) to formulate proposals on the main directions of unification of legal regulation of technology transfer under Ukrainian law with the requirements of EU law. Analysis of recent research and publications. An analysis of recent research and publications on the topic shows that many scholars have considered the general issues of state intervention in the national economy. The problem of the essence of technology transfer has been studied both at the level of independent economic systems and within international organizational entities. Article’s main body. The object of this research is a set of regulatory methods and techniques for determining the content and essence of such a category as technology transfer. Both the requirements of Ukraine and the regulatory approaches of the European Union are studied. The analysis and generalization of the existing world and international approaches to the identification of the essence of technology transfer established that they are not unified among themselves and differ significantly from each other. It has been proven that this does not meet the needs of technology transfer participants and does not meet the strategic goals of Ukraine’s development. The expediency of expanding the existing concept of determining the essence of technology transfer defined in Ukraine is substantiated. Recommendations on directions for the unification of regulatory approaches to the definition of technology transfer with the European Union have been formed. The need to amend the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer” in order to bring it into line with the requirements of the European Union has been proven. Conclusions and prospects for development. It was determined that the current legislation of Ukraine contains a narrower approach to determining the essence of technology transfer. Recommendations on the unification of the requirements of Ukraine with the requirements of the EU, on the issue of identification of technology transfer, have been formed. The expediency of expanding the forms of technology transfer is substantiated by supplementing them with the following: – Transfer of technology during the implementation of special interstate defense and industrial programs. – Transfer of technology within the framework of grant funding and cooperation. – Transfer of technology during the implementation of public procurement. – Transfer of technology as a contribution to the integral property complex (statutory or accumulated capital) of economic entities. – Transfer of technology during the creation of startups.

Key Factors for a Successful Technology Transfer Process of Digital Innovation Assets

Abstract Technology Transfer (TT) process is complex and influenced by numerous factors. Associated with this context, the recent and growing Digital Transformation has impacted practically all sectors, through disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and 6G networks, Industry 4.0, Digital Agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence, among others. Thus, the present study intends to investigate the characteristics of TT processes involving digital solutions generated by Public Research Institutes, seeking to identify the factors that interfere in this process. A literature review was carried out regarding the factors that influence a TT process focused on digital technologies produced by Public Research Institutes, followed by the systematization of the findings and the proposition of a theoretical model. Thus, this study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the critical factors for the TT processes associated with digital innovation.

The evolving role of technology transfer offices in the entrepreneurial university: Go-betweens or playmakers?

AbstractTechnology transfer offices (TTOs) play an increasingly important role in universities, supporting researchers in translating science knowledge into commercially and socially valuable outcomes. However, the literature is limited regarding how TTOs support the technology transfer process. This study contributes deeper insight into the role of TTOs in facilitating knowledge transfer outcomes. A case study of life science commercialization in Australasian universities drew on depth interviews with senior TTO managers and industry experts, on longitudinal participant observation within a life science intermediary business to inform about supply side elements, and on secondary data. The findings emphasise the effects of wider institutional change on quintuple helix (5H) stakeholders, i.e., the environment, society, government, universities, and industry. Financialization and competition places growing demands on universities for commercializable intellectual property (IP) production. In response, TTOs have built competencies in translational engagement (trust and reputation building and boundary spanning) and value co-creation (service quality management and de-risking). Those competencies translate to a five-stage process of technology transfer facilitation: (1) Identifying, (2) assessing, (3) protecting, (4) promoting and (5) profiting. In the complex context of life science innovation, innovation networks benefit from investment in university outreach, stakeholder relationship building, tax credits, and fund matching with transnational corporations. To ensure optimal social and commercial outcomes independent oversight of the process should be maintained, by representatives from all 5H stakeholders.

Implementation of a digital behavior change intervention (eCHANGE) for weight loss maintenance support: a service design and technology transfer approach.

Obesity is a chronic disease, and while weight loss is achievable, long-term weight loss maintenance is difficult and relapse common for people living with obesity. Aiming to meet the need for innovative approaches, digital behavior change interventions show promise in supporting health behavior change to maintain weight after initial weight loss. Implementation of such interventions should however be part of the design and development processes from project initiation to facilitate uptake and impact. Based on the development and implementation process of eCHANGE, an evidence-informed application-based self-management intervention for weight loss maintenance, this manuscript provides suggestions and guidance into; (1) How a service design approach can be used from initiation to implementation of digital interventions, and (2) How a technology transfer process can accelerate implementation of research-based innovation from idea to market.

Defining directions for improving regulation of private law forms of technology transfer in the European Union

The object of this study is the existing regulatory approaches to the definition of private law forms of technology transfer in the law of the European Union, international treaties, and agreements. In the course of research and generalization of existing concepts, it was established that they are not unified and differ significantly. It has been proven that this does not meet the needs of technology transfer participants and destabilizes the technology transfer process. The expediency of improving the existing concept of defining private law forms of technology transfer by unifying them has been substantiated. Recommendations on the list of the main forms of technology transfer have been formed based on a systematic analysis of regulatory legal acts that determine the content of technology. A classification of the main private law forms of technology transfer has been proposed. Three main groups of private law forms of technology transfer were distinguished. The expediency of assigning each private law form of transfer to a certain group was substantiated. Directions for improving the current regulation of private law forms of technology transfer have been formed, by summarizing and supplementing them. The need to make changes to the provisions of such international treaties and agreements as the World Trade Organization Agreements, the Recommendations of the World Organization for the Protection of Intellectual Property, the Oslo Guidelines, the UNCTAD Recommendations, and the framework program "Horizon Europe" has been proven. The research was aimed at the formation of general theoretical foundations for the improvement of regulatory methods of identification of private law forms of technology transfer. The research results can be used in the formation of international normative acts, recommendations of international institutions, acts of national legislation and serve as a basis for further scientific research on these issues

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction- and Liquid Chromatography-Based Method Development and Validation for Obtaining and Qualitative Determination of Apple Pomace Three Triterpene Acids using Analytical Quality by Design

Background: Apple pomace has garnered significant attention within the life sciences domain due to its underutilized status as a waste material from apple processing. It represents a cost-effective and abundant source of triterpene acids due to its multifunctional clinical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical benefits. Purpose: The present study aimed to develop and validate a new, selective, effective, robust and reproducible laboratory methodology based on extraction, purification and analytical procedures to obtain and determining three major triterpene acids – Ursolic acid (UA), Oleanolic acid (OA) and Betulinic acid (BA) into the dry extracted product from apple pomace. Method: A new, cost-efficient, rapid, selective and high-yield two-stage ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure was developed and the effect of critical parameters: ultrasonic power, extraction time, solvent volume, temperature, and the amount of raw material on the extraction process were investigated. The dry column vacuum chromatography technique was used for purification to remove unwanted non-polar and polar impurities from the target bioactive compounds; A new, effective, specific, sensitive, and rapid HPLC analytical procedure was developed using analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach and validated according to ICH guidelines. Conclusion: The method has a good accuracy (the mean recovery >95 %) and linearity (R2>0.999). The limit of quantitation (LOQ) is 0.0001 mg/mL for UA, 0.00005 mg/mL for OA and 0.000025 mg/mL for BA. The validation results confirm that the method is specific, precise and robust. The purity of the extracted and purified target product from apple pomace is not less than 93 %. The developed laboratory methodology is capable of being considered for industrial purposes and through the appropriate technology transfer process can be successfully transferred to the industrial scale.

University innovation ecosystems and innovation channels

Universities play a fundamental role in the economy and social development. In this role they use different channels for the inception of innovations in markets. It is still necessary a systematic view capable of identifying the existent innovation channels and their relationship with the university innovation ecosystem. Drawing upon the university-industry literature, this article outlines a conceptual framework about the university innovation channels, the main agents of university innovation ecosystems and their respective roles in the technology-transfer process. This framework is based on three layers: 1 – macro-context; 2 – micro-context; and 3 – internal-context. There are identified three types of innovation channels: 1 – university spin-offs; 2 – cooperation with external agents; and 3 – licensing of patents. This framework is validated by a qualitative approach through visits and interviews with nine agents (4 spin-offs; 1 technology center; 2 science parks; and 2 business incubators) of three different university innovation ecosystems in Brazil. This article contributes to the theory presenting an integrative perspective about the agents of university innovation ecosystems, explaining how they contribute to the university innovation channels insert innovations in markets. For the practice this article can guide the assessment and planning of the improvement of university innovation ecosystems.

Framework for mapping absorptive capacity as an enabler of effective technology transfer: A case study of the innovative PEEPOWER technology

In its comprehensive sense, a technology goes beyond the hardware or system to include associated skills and knowledge. Whilst this definition has been acknowledged across the literature, there is a gap in practices reflected during technology transfer processes. This article aims to investigate measures that can be taken by technology providers and recipients to effectively incorporate knowledge and skills sharing during a technology transfer. Conceptual frameworks were developed and used to inform empirical research. The case study of the PEEPOWER technology is carried out to consolidate theory with practice. The PEEPOWER technology is illustrated on a ‘techberg’ showing all elements of the technology beyond the hardware. An insight into the level of effectiveness of the PEEPOWER transfer to Kisoro, Nairobi and Durban is obtained through a qualitative analysis of interview responses, by looking at the extent of knowledge sharing and the absorptive capacity of the technology recipient. The main recommendations are to (1) adopt a knowledge exchange approach as opposed to a unidirectional knowledge transfer from the technology provider to the technology recipient, (2) establish good relationships with local partners and develop a good understanding of the local context and (3) manage expectations about innovations and ensure intellectual property protection during knowledge exchange.

Sustainable Workforce in a Green Era: Indonesia’s Energy Sector Transition

The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the effect of renewable energy transition variables and economic viability in the Indonesian employment industry on the balance of business sustainability through social and environmental development as an intervening variable. The subjects of this study are small, medium, and large industry owners in Indonesia, totaling 5,993,566 business units. The variables in this study are independent variables, namely the variables of renewable energy transition and economic viability in the Indonesian labor industry, while the dependent variable is the balance of business sustainability, and the intervening variable is the variable of social and environmental considerations. The results of the data analysis are made through SEM analysis through SMART PLS 4.0 software. From the results of existing research, it is concluded that partially renewable energy transition variables and viability variables in the Indonesian labor industry have a direct effect on the balance of business sustainability and social and environmental consideration variables. Simultaneously, the renewable energy transition variable and the viability variable in the Indonesian labor industry indirectly affect the business sustainability balance variable through social and environmental considerations as intervening variables. With the renewable energy transition process, it will have an impact on people's good social lives because there is no threat of environmental damage or natural disasters, so the environment is safe, the industry creates a technology transfer process, and it increases economic viability in the labor industry in Indonesia in order to create quality human resources. With this transition process, trained human resources are needed and are also able to adapt well to the transition process and technology transfer in order to balance the sustainability of industrial businesses.

Determining directions for improving the legal regulation of technology transfer forms

The object of this study is the existing regulatory approaches to determining the forms of technology transfer in the legal systems of economically developed countries of the world, international treaties, and agreements. During the research and generalization of existing concepts, it was established that they are not unified and differ significantly from each other. It has been proven that this does not meet the needs of technology transfer participants and significantly destabilizes the technology transfer process. The expediency of improving the existing normative concept of determining the forms of technology transfer by fixing their single list has been substantiated. Recommendations on the list of the main forms of technology transfer have been formed based on a systematic analysis of legal acts that determine the peculiarities of the essence of technology. A classification of the main forms of technology transfer was proposed. Four main forms of technology transfer were identified as the transfer of rights to technology during its creation, within the framework of joint cooperation, within the framework of cooperation based on corporate and/or proprietary commercial principles. The expediency of dividing each form of transfer into separate subtypes was also substantiated. The need to make changes to the provisions of such international treaties and agreements as the World Trade Organization Agreements, the Recommendations of the World Organization for the Protection of Intellectual Property, the Oslo Guidelines, the UNCTAD Recommendations, and the framework program "Horizon Europe" has been proven. The study is aimed at forming general theoretical foundations for improving the essence of regulatory techniques for identifying forms of technology transfer. The research results could be used in the formation of international normative acts, recommendations of international institutions, acts of national legislation, and serve as a basis for further scientific research into these issues

Construction of a model for evaluating the efficiency of technology transfer process based on a fuzzy logic approach

The object of research is technology transfer, which covers the mechanism of transfer of technological knowledge and innovations from developers to end users or manufacturers. The problem to be solved is to provide a relevant assessment of the effectiveness of technology transfer by applying modern economic and mathematical models (based on the method of fuzzy logic) to assess the effectiveness of technology transfer under conditions of uncertainty. The main results obtained: a fuzzy-logical model for evaluating the level of the technology transfer efficiency indicator was built; it is performed according to the following algorithm: 1) the involvement of three components of technology transfer – technological, financial, and marketing as input variables of the model, which are calculated on the basis of statistical and financial reporting data, expert surveys; 2) selection of parameters and type of membership function for three input variables and one output variable (integral indicator) and construction of a system of 27 logical rules; 3) determining the efficiency of technology transfer using Mamdani's fuzzy derivation and checking the adequacy of the model. A visualization of the "input-output" surface was performed, which determines the maximum value of the TTPE (TechnologyTransferProjectsEfficiency) indicator, which serves as a summary indicator for the success of technology transfer projects and is observed at high levels of model input variables. The indicator T (technical component of technology transfer efficiency), F (financial component of technology transfer efficiency), and M (marketing component of technology transfer efficiency) was introduced. The scientific results could be applied to determine the optimal ways of technology transfer to industry, to plan strategies for introducing new technological products to the market, taking into account the effectiveness of licensing, partnership, and cooperation processes

Conceptualizing a Seamless Model of Technology Transfer: Evidence from Public Research Institutes and Universities in Indonesia

Technology transfer (TT) is essential in transforming and mobilizing technological knowledge from public research institutes (PRIs) and universities into innovations. The concept of TT has become the center of scholarly attention since implementing the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980. In its progression, TT models and practices varied across organizations. The standard adopted model at Indonesian PRIs and universities is the dissemination model. This classic model is problematic yet suitable for technological knowledge production within these organizations. Consequently, TT performance could be better; only a few technologies were successfully commercialized and became innovations. Meanwhile, most research results ended as publications and new intellectual properties. Therefore, a new model needs to enhance the TT processes. This study uses a multiple-case study approach to conceptualize a “seamless” technology transfer model. This model provides a holistic view of processes and components of technology transfer in the dimensions of knowledge creation, diffusion, and absorption, which are intertwined. The model differs from the existing concept that segregates components in each dimension; it allows actors and determinants to be involved (or utilized) in multiple dimensions to cater to a better TT process.

Directions for improving the concept of technology for the purpose of financial support for their transfer within the European Union

The object of this study is the essence and directions of improvement of the normative construction of the concept of technology, which is used within the framework of legal regulation of financial support of the innovation process and technology transfer within the framework of the law of the European Union. In the course of summarizing and studying the existing regulations, it was established that they are not unified and differ significantly. This does not meet the needs of participants in the innovation process and subjects of technology transfer. It has been proven that the most negative impact of the disparity of legal regulation occurs during the implementation of means of financial support for innovative processes. The expediency of improving the existing concept of technology definition by fixing its single generalized definition has been substantiated. Authentic definition of technology is proposed as information of an organizational and technical nature about the sequence of production operations, which can be expressed in the form of the results of scientific research, research and design works, a system of objects of intellectual property rights, information of an organizational and technical nature, technological documentation, equipment, tools, machines, and mechanisms. It was substantiated that this definition makes it possible to eliminate most of the identified problems and is formed on the basis of the existing needs of the participants of technology transfer. The study is aimed at the formation of general theoretical foundations for improving the essence of technology for the purposes of legal support for financial support of innovation processes and technology transfer in the European Union. The research results could be used in the formation of international normative acts, acts of national legislation, and serve as a basis for further scientific research on these issues

Steps and maturity of a bioinput for biological control: A Delphi-SWARA application

Universities are essential for economic growth, as they generate scientific and technological innovation. For this innovation to reach society, it is necessary to encourage and improve the processes of technology transfer. In this context, this research proposes a method to identify and weigh the stages of development of a bioinput for biological control (BBC), an area in expansion with great potential for research in universities. The method uses the Delphi and SWARA methods, applied from interviews with twenty-one experts in the area. The results allow validation of the stages and their descriptions and assign weights to each. Phase 3, which consists of standardizing the production and formulation of the product, is the most important, representing 25.1% of the total. This phase also indicates that 63.5% of the process was completed, which makes the technology more attractive to companies. The study contributed to the technology transfer in the area of bioinputs by presenting a structure that can homogenize and facilitate the understanding of the development of these technologies, assisting the development of new products and the transfer of products that are in development in order to foster the relationship between academia and market, as one of the most relevant issues that the company seeks to know is the level of technological readiness so that it can measure the time, financial resources, uncertainties, and technical risks involved.

Cross-Border Collaboration: India's UPI Success Story In Indonesia (A Case Study On Unified Payments System)

This research paper delves into the successful introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Indonesian market, with a primary focus on crucial elements such as the India-Indonesia (MoU), technology transfer, the impact of the 5G spectrum, credit generation, and quantitative analysis through surveys. A notable aspect of this study is examining the current technology transfer process in UPI implementation alongside previous instances, shedding light on the evolution of knowledge transfer methodologies. The effectiveness of the India-Indonesia MoU in facilitating UPI adoption reflects the dedication of both nations. The research investigates how India's expertise in UPI is customized to meet Indonesia's specific needs, historically and in the present. The study also evaluates UPI's role in promoting credit generation, thereby contributing to financial inclusion and economic growth. The research measures user sentiments, adoption rates, and transaction trends using a multifaceted approach involving surveys and quantitative data analysis. The findings provide valuable insights for policy development, the refinement of technology transfer strategies, and the sustainable growth of digital payment systems in Indonesia and similar emerging markets.

Innovative strategy for enhancing nature-based solutions during climate technology transfer process

Recently, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have increasingly been regarded as a new opportunity to maximize the synergies between nature, society, and the economy. In addition, especially for policymakers and practitioners engaged in climate technology transfer activities from developed to developing countries, this concept is promoted as a cost-effective, agile, and innovative way of tackling various climate challenges to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Thus, in the present work, to enhance NbS as an innovative implement during the climate technology transfer, we first analyze previous NbS cases during the technical assistance activities for some SDGs accomplished by the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), such as coastal risk protection (to maximize ecosystems, Type 1), agroforestry (to restore ecosystems, Type 2) and green urban design (to create ecosystems, Type 3). Then, through in-depth interviews with NbS stakeholders, we identify dominant barriers to implementing each NbS Type in terms of innovation element: technology, market, and regulation. Finally, based on our staged innovation model considering the two-sided networks, we propose novel strategy for enhancing NbS by overcoming each barrier during the three stages of the climate technology transfer process: NbS technology assessment in the first eco-maximizing stage, blended finances for market creation in the second eco-restoring stage, and regulation incentivization in the third eco-creating stage.

A comprehensive review on technology transfer

In the evolving corporate world, there's a growing focus on leveraging technological assets through technology transfer, a trend fueled by globalization, economic liberalization, and stronger intellectual property rights since the World Trade Organization's inception. These factors have integrated technology transfer as a critical aspect of the global business framework. However, the process of technology transfer is complex, and transferees often lack the necessary skills for effective management. While existing literature extensively covers these topics, it notably lacks practical solutions for these challenges. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a novel "Life Cycle Approach for Planning and Implementing a Technology Transfer Project." This approach is designed to help avoid common pitfalls and address key management issues in technology transfer. The study begins by exploring the concept of technology transfer and reviews several existing models. It evaluates their pros and cons, leading to the proposition of the "Life Cycle Approach." This innovative model is intended to resolve frequent problems encountered by technology transferees, providing a structured methodology for managing technology transfer initiatives. The paper concludes with a mention of a project by the UNESCAP Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), which utilizes this Life-Cycle concept. This project exemplifies the approach's practicality in enhancing the Asia-Pacific region's technology transfer capabilities, highlighting its relevance and applicability in diverse global contexts.

Technology transfer for COVID-19 vaccine in the Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.

Innovation is an essential element for development and growth, but it consists of a long process of knowledge accumulation, so technology transfer is used to accelerate this process. This study mapped the particularities of the technology transfer process for the COVID-19 vaccine between AstraZeneca and the Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and identified enablers, obstacles, and gaps. Our analysis investigated the process from selection of the most suitable partner to incorporation of the new technology based on a comprehensive literature review on this topic, combined with a case study. The results showed that, although many actions still have to be performed to maximize technology capacity gains, the lessons learned from the technology transfer process will be used in future and ongoing agreements.