Technology Transfer Efforts Research Articles

Advancing equitable value chains for the global hydrogen economy

Hydrogen is a rapidly growing focus for countries seeking to develop green industries, but there are many questions about how the nascent global hydrogen economy will develop, and what this implies for equitable sharing of benefits and burdens between nations. In this perspective we summarize emerging trends in national hydrogen strategies and develop recommendations for researchers and policymakers to center equity in hydrogen development. This will require integrating innovation and development perspectives on international technology transfer, developing more detailed representation of hydrogen trade in systems models, building equity considerations into national and international planning processes, and establishing robust technology transfer efforts. Policymakers will also need to grapple with the difficulties of verifying life cycle emissions of hydrogen if hydrogen trade emerges as a significant trend, potentially requiring new methods of emissions accounting and trade reforms that prioritize international equity.

Pemberdayaan Petani Padi Sawah dalam Meningkatan Efisiensi Usaha Tani dengan Pembuatan dan Aplikasi Herbisida Organik di Desa Botolempangan Kabupaten Maros

Botolempangan Village in Bontoa Sub-district is one of the centers of paddy rice production in Maros Regency, with characteristics of rain-fed paddy fields that have many obstacles to weed infestation, especially if the dry season is abandoned from rice farming activities, before being planted during the rainy season where farmers are very dependent on the use of herbicides. Dependence on the use of synthetic (inorganic) herbicides occurs from the pre-growth period of seeds, seedlings to the maintenance process. High costs result in considerable inefficiencies in rice farming. Training in technology transfer efforts to make Organic Herbicide Formulations, and their applications are carried out to increase the Empowerment and Efficiency of rice farming on Rainfed Rice Fields. With the efficiency target is to increase the profit of paddy rice farming, minimizing inorganic herbicide inputs. The output of this activity ultimately produces products that can be applied to at least reduce or reduce the use of inorganic herbicides. At the end of the activity, farmer business groups are able to produce and apply Organic Herbicide Formulations on Demoplots on Farmer-Owned Land.

Implementation of Fish Pellet Production Using Palm Kernel Waste in Merangin Village, Kampar

The community in Merangin Village, Kampar Regency, whose livelihoods revolve around fish farming, faces challenges in fish cultivation, especially concerning the use of pellets from factories, which contribute approximately 60-70% to the total production costs. To mitigate these expenses, an alternative solution is proposed by producing fish pellets independently using palm waste available in the village. However, many community members still lack understanding of the process of fish pellet production and the processing of its raw materials. Through the community service program at the University of Riau, a targeted technology transfer effort is conducted for the residents of Merangin Village to empower them in producing fish pellets autonomously. The primary focus of the community service activities is to enhance knowledge through integrated guidance on fish pellet production. It is expected that with the implementation of this program, the people of Merangin Village can manufacture their own fish pellets from palm waste, subsequently increasing income and establishing an efficient and sustainable fish farming venture. The implications of the community service program in Merangin Village encompass heightened knowledge in optimizing the utilization of palm waste for fish pellet production, thereby reducing production costs, increasing income, and effectively managing waste.

The Paradigm Shift of Agricultural Extension from Technology Transfer Towards Participatory Approaches

Purpose: Different technology transfer mechanisms are used to disseminate innovative agricultural technologies. The extension approaches based on the top-down transfer of technology were dominated in the past. That paradigm could not achieve reasonable benefits to many users but the resource-rich clientele reaped the benefits. Therefore, new concepts and approaches were warranted. The paper describes the outcomes of the paradigm shift of agricultural extension from technology transfer to participatory technologies..Research Method: The paper contains the information collected from published literature on technology transfer efforts, global experience in Participatory Rural Appraisal applications, and the research findings from participatory rural appraisal sessions conducted in Sri Lanka.Findings: The critical issue of technology transfer models was insufficient attention granted to incorporate.the participation of grassroots-level clientele. Hence, real community needs were omitted. The concept of Participatory Rural Appraisal evolved as an alternative scenario and was implemented with promising results. The Participatory Rural Appraisal is a bottom-up approach, that incorporates local knowledge and community participation, uses simple technology, requires low cost, and could be applied in rural areas without complex apparatus. Participants have a great opportunity to express their actual needs. Hence, a valid plan can be designed and the community will participate in the following stages of the planning cycle. This study reviews the Participatory Rural Appraisal experience worldwide and the paradigm shift taken place in technology transfer from a top-down approach to participatory methods.

An Evaluation of the Priority Mitigation Technology Needs of Belt and Road Initiative Developing Countries

Climate technology transfer is vital to greening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthening the BRI cooperative partnership. The major concerns of technology transferrers are to clarify what to transfer and where to transfer. On the basis of technology need assessment reports and the cooperative patent classification system, as well as a set of indicators for measuring urgency and attractiveness, this study identified the priority technology needs of BRI countries from global and regional perspectives. We found that technologies such as photovoltaics, land-use policy measures, and road transportation technologies in the energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors are the priority needs in BRI countries; however, these are not fully recognized by China’s current regional cooperation initiatives. In addition, the regional perspective analysis revealed the urgent need for diverse climate technologies at the regional level. Regional mismatches were also detected between China’s current technology transfer efforts and the BRI countries’ requirements, which may be attributed to the demand-pull and market-driven modes of technology transfer. We suggest that technology transferrers adjust their focus on technology cooperation to reflect the changing needs and regional disparities of BRI countries.

A Novel Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Training Program for Biomedical Research Trainees.

Contemporary science emphasizes efficient translation of scientific discoveries into tangible, innovative products and services to improve human health. Therefore, researchers need skills in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) to select which problems to address and bring to market the most promising solutions. Training in this skillset is not currently available to most biomedical research trainees. The Entrepreneurship for Biomedicine (E4B) training program was created to develop biomedical researchers' I&E skills. The program comprises 2 semester-length courses: E4B1 teaches core skills; E4B2 focuses on advanced skills for those interested in pursuing funding for a new venture. In addition to traditional entrepreneurship training, E4B teaches ethics and personal skills such as resilience, communication, and team-building. Each course is delivered online and requires about 4 hours weekly. Program elements include short videos for didactic content; a team-based capstone project; mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs; and a live, virtual pitch presentation. The program is housed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and is open to pre- and postdoctoral biomedical research trainees and faculty nationwide. In 2020, 77 trainees completed E4B1 and 13 went on to complete E4B2. Trainees in both courses were satisfied with learning content and mentorship and would recommend the program to a friend. Pre- and postanalyses demonstrated that trainees' confidence in their knowledge about and ability to perform I&E tasks taught throughout the program increased. Since completion, 4 graduates have received external funding for an innovation and 3 have started a company. E4B is well accepted, and this preliminary evaluation suggests the program is effective. It could serve to support medical school curricula, business competitions, and technology transfer efforts, which are opportunities for future exploration. A more robust evaluation is planned and recruitment will be expanded to increase participation from women and underrepresented populations.

A Study on the Case of China’s Violation of the WTO TRIPs Agreement

Purpose - This paper analyzes cases related to intellectual property rights (IPR) in China filed with the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding. The causes of intellectual property disputes in China were identified and the process of a resolution was examined. Through this, we intend to identify the problems of the IPR system in China and suggest a complementary direction for the system. Design/Methodology/Approach - The definition and classification of IPR and the TRIPs agreement related to IPR are reviewed through various documents, and cases related to IPR filed with the WTO are found and arranged, and among the cases of disputes related to IPR, 4 cases involving China are in-depth analyzed. Findings - China’s laws related to IPR were created to raise the level of science and technology in the early stages of reform and opening, and many parts do not fit with the current stage of development. The lawsuits in the US and Europe are demanding that China actively rectify the problems in the related system and supplement the laws and systems related to technology transfer. This had a positive effect on the improvement of China’s technology transfer system, and the content of the lawsuit itself can be evaluated as helping to promote China’s technology transfer system reform. In addition, China will have to strengthen relevant legal provisions while also modifying controversial legal provisions. At the same time, while supplementing international technology transfer laws, it is necessary to pursue the development of core science and technology by focusing on self-development. Research Implications - In recent years, China has continuously strengthened the protection of IPR, and the intellectual property protection legal system has gradually developed and achieved great results in the field of intellectual property protection. Since China acceded to the WTO in 2001, amendments and supplements to domestic intellectual property laws have been gradually internationalized, but technology transfer efforts are still necessary.

Exploratory Study of Process Development in Technology Transfer Evidence from Automotive Firms

The topic of technology transfer is important in the context of developing and emerging economies as successful technology transfer and local technological development efforts can play a crucial role in the economic development of a recipient country to value added its products or activities. Technology transfer process is an integration process which involved the technology provider, receiver, object of transfer and transfer mechanisms. However, previous researches showed that the failure of technology transfer mainly caused by several factors. This research explored the development process of technology transfer from the joint venture companiesof the automotive firms in Malaysia. Technology transfer process development will be assessed in a holistic way beginning with the in depth understanding on the process of technology transfer and key challenges during the development process that contributed to the success in the perspectives of Organizational Learning, Knowledge Based View and Resource Based View. These theories were important point of view to categorize the process that contributedtothe success of technology transfer development. This research contributed several theoretical, empirical and methodological (modified Delphi method) values to the literature on the factors related to transfer technology success, and evolutionary process of technology transfer. Instead of development process, this research also identifiedthekey challenges during the process and recommendation on how to overcome them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted against 12 participants from automotive firms, consisted of R&D staffs, Top Management, Designers, Engineers and Technicians, including the experts from government agencies related to technology transfer activities. This study will present relevant contributions to the company’s top management, technology transfer practitioners, policy makers, along with the researchers who were interested to get involved directly in the process of technology transfer. This research originality lies in the proposed framework of a technology transfer process development in joint venture as a business strategy.

A multilevel analysis of the technological impact of university-SME joint innovations

ABSTRACT The present research analyzes the determinants of the technological impact of the innovations developed by R&D collaborations between universities and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, by adopting a multilevel approach, this study reveals the significant role played by SMEs’ absorptive capacity, as well as by social and geographical proximity between the partnering organizations. In addition, this article shows the positive impact of the regional knowledge spillovers that are close to the technological fields of the innovations developed. The findings provide a better understanding of interactive learning in R&D collaborations between universities and SMEs, explaining how it may be further nurtured by knowledge spillovers available in SMEs’ Regional Innovation Systems (RIS). The article may also support SME managers in the definition of these collaborations, university managers in the orientation of their technology transfer effort, as well as policy makers interested in the development of a more effective RIS.

Defining strategies to improve success of technology transfer efforts: An integrated tool for risk assessment

Science Based Innovation relies on effective Technology Transfer efforts. Defining strategies that increase high-technology projects success in the market is a necessary and challenging activity. This comprises elements like market uncertainty and the need for timely decision making within an environment of limited resources (economic, time, human, among others). In this context, Technology Intelligence (TI) generates useful knowledge to reduce risk and improve decision making. This work provides a tool to identify and qualitatively measure different risks; highlighted by previous TI activities. Such risks, their level and mitigation alternatives are also discussed. Furthermore, we create a simple, yet useful tool to calculate a risk score for technology projects at early stages of development. This tool was developed in a Technology Transfer Office to foster the development of entrepreneurial ventures.

(Invited) Development of Versatile Polymer Materials for Anion Exchange Membranes in Electrochemical Energy Conversion Technology

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on hydroxide-conducting polymers are a key component for anion-based electrochemical energy technology such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and advanced batteries. Although these alkaline electrochemical applications offer a promising alternative to acidic proton exchange membrane electrochemical devices, access to alkaline-stable and high-performing polymer electrolyte materials has remained elusive until now. Despite vigorous research of AEM polymer design, examples of high-performance polymers with good alkaline stability at an elevated temperature are uncommon. Traditional aromatic polymers used in AEM applications contain a heteroatomic backbone linkage which is prone to degradation via nucleophilic attack by hydroxide ion.In this presentation, I will highlight recent progress at the Bae group of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the development of advanced hydroxide-conducting polymers and technology transfer effort to commercialize materials for AEM applications. We have developed new synthetic methods that produce polymer design made of all C−C bond backbone and a flexible chain-tethered quaternary ammonium group and that provide an effective solution to the problem of alkaline stability. The advantage of good solvent processability, synthetic versatility, and convenient scalability of the reaction process has generated considerable interest of these polymers, and they are considered leading candidates for commercial standard AEM. AEM fuel cells, electrolyzer, and vanadium redox flow battery tests of some of the developed polymer membranes showed excellent performance, suggesting that this new class of AEMs open a new avenue to electrochemical devices with real-world applications.

Unfolding the Strategic Choices Behind Technology Transfer Activities: A QCA Approach

The growing importance that knowledge and innovation are acquiring as the basis for economic development and growth has led universities to expand their traditional functions, spreading their commitment in the contribution to economic and social welfare through their so-called third mission. Certainly, universities have turned into one of the most important engines for regional development. However, these demands are not accompanied by a greater availability of resources. Universities are struggling to carry out their teaching and research activities simultaneously, alongside technology transfer efforts. In this study we argue that due to the scarcity of resources and because of different strategies with regard the three core missions (teaching, research and technology transfer), the assessment of universities’ performance should acknowledge this reality. Accordingly, we propose the use of qualitative comparative analysis to do so. More specifically we investigate the portfolio of technology transfer activities (including patents, spin-offs and R&D contracts) relaxing the traditional constraint that universities should conduct all types of technology transfer activities. Instead, our model allows universities to concentrate in the activity in which each university performs best. Data from the Spanish public higher education system is used. Two points of time are compared: 2008 and 2015.

Measuring User Satisfaction for the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Consortium

The User Forum is a Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI)-wide group focused on providing the NHERI Council with independent advice on community user satisfaction, priorities, and needs relating to the use and capabilities of NHERI. The User Forum has representation across NHERI activities, including representatives working directly with the Network Coordination Office (NCO), Education and Community Outreach (ECO), Facilities Scheduling, and Technology Transfer efforts. The User forum also provides feedback on the NHERI Science Plan. As the community voice within the governance of NHERI, the User Forum is composed of members nominated and elected by the NHERI community for a specified term of one to two years. User Forum membership spans academia and industry, the full breadth of civil engineering and social science disciplines, and widespread hazard expertise including earthquakes, windstorms, and water events. One of the primary responsibilities of the User Forum is to conduct an annual community user satisfaction survey for NHERI users, and publish a subsequent Annual Community Report. Measuring user satisfaction and providing this feedback to the NHERI Council is critical to supporting the long-term sustainability of NHERI and its mission as a multidisciplinary and multi-hazard network. In this paper, the role and key activities of the User Forum are described, including User Forum member election procedures, User Forum member representation and roles across NHERI activities, and the processes for measuring and reporting user satisfaction. This paper shares the user satisfaction survey distributed to NHERI users, and discusses the challenges to measuring community user satisfaction based on the definition of user. Finally, this paper discusses the evolving approaches of measuring user satisfaction using other methods, including engaging with the twelve NHERI research infrastructures.

Students as Scientists’ Co-pilots in the Onset of Technology Transfer: A Two-Way Learning Process

To generate knowledge and technology transfer, universities are exploring new collaborative models. These new models aim to include actors that can have a positive impact on the technology transfer efforts of engaged academics. While open and collaborative models for technology transfer are seen as promising alternatives to the patent-centric linear model, there are limited insights on how these collaboration processes unfold and on their possible implications for the commercialization of new technologies. We explore the dynamics between the focal actor, i.e., the scientist, and a new actor in technology transfer, i.e., the students, in a university setting. We use an inductive, embedded multiple-case study to explore the contribution of knowledge interactions between scientists and students on the first steps of the technology transfer process. Our results suggest that the students’ contribution in the initial stages of the technology transfer process is influenced by the level of the scientist-student team consensus on the technology function as well as the flexibility and openness of the scientist to reconsider the technology meaning. We contribute to the ongoing debate on alternative technology transfer models and on the possible roles of students in academic ecosystems

The Croatian path from socialism to European membership through the lens of technology transfer policies

The transition from a socialist economy to one of capitalism brought, to many countries that had previously been socialist, a drastic decline in their technological competences, technological transfers, and research activities after the 1990s. This research seeks to assess whether or not the policy of technology transfer practised during the socialist era improved for these countries following their entry to a capitalist regime and their subsequent joining of the European Union, and whether or not these two processes (which historically coincide for many previously socialist countries) correlate. Croatia is used as an example of a typical transition country possessive of a specific type of market socialism, with controversial outcomes arising from its particular transition process in comparison to its peers. Despite the assistance of the European Union, which helped many new members from socialist backgrounds to recover their economies by upgrading their technological capabilities, this research reveals that technology transfer in less technologically developed countries is unfolding very slowly. Technological transfer occurs as a highly contextual phenomenon, dependant not only on the structure of the economy and technological and research capacities, but also on the political economy and the type of capitalism. This research identifies the three phases of the evolution of university technology transfer: science based models in socialism; endeavours towards an innovation based model throughout the transition period; and the bureaucratic model, driven by the EU cohesion policy and facilitated through access to the European Structural Funds. This research points out that bureaucratic-driven types of technology transfer should be coupled with nationally concerned actions on overall economic and political reforms in order to gain efficient results from their technology transfer efforts.

Targeted, Precision Irrigation for Moving Platforms: Selected Papers from a Center Pivot Technology Transfer Effort

Abstract. This article is an introduction to an ASABE Special Collection of ten articles concerning center pivot (CP) technology transfer that appears in this issue of and in . The year 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of research and development of low-energy precision application (LEPA) for use with CP sprinkler irrigation systems. Since 1978, researchers, extension specialists, and industry have continued development of multiple technologies that are suitable for mobile lateral irrigation platforms. A two-year technology transfer effort with funding from the USDA-ARS Ogallala Aquifer Program (OAP) was initiated in January 2017 to promote adoption of advanced and efficient irrigation technologies and to highlight recommended practices for mobile irrigation platforms, including both CP and lateral-move (LM) systems. The articles in this Special Collection address five major topic areas: in-canopy and near-canopy irrigation application from moving platforms, site-specific variable-rate irrigation (VRI) and associated sensor technologies for moving platforms, the use of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) with CP systems, and uniformity evaluations for CP systems. While these ten articles are not inclusive of all the important advances in irrigation from moving platforms since 1978, they illustrate that continued improvement in irrigation management occurs by combining engineering and agronomic sciences. Pressurized irrigation from moving platforms is increasing in the U.S. and will be an important tool for meeting global food and water challenges. In addition to introducing and summarizing the Special Collection, this article provides additional rationale for the CP technology transfer effort. Keywords: Center pivot, Irrigation uniformity, Lateral-move sprinkler, LEPA, Linear-move sprinkler, Low-energy precision application, Site-specific irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation, Variable-frequency drives, Variable-rate irrigation, VFD, VRI.

Webinars, Advisory Boards, Technology Transfer Implementation Plans, and Other Examples of Universities’ Best Practices in Technology Transfer

Technology transfer encompasses many activities but often connotes commercialization and patents. On the other end of the spectrum, university researchers may feel that disseminating their results in a journal or at a conference or even just briefly describing their projects in a newsletter means that they have fulfilled their technology transfer duties. Technology transfer may be related to specific projects or a group of projects, or it can be independent of specific projects. Project-related technology transfer is often considered at the end of a project, but some activities can and should occur at the beginning or middle of a project. Existing literature on technology transfer seems to have limited value for university research centers that are trying to share the results of several small projects or to provide an overview of new topics. This paper drew on a survey of universities in which respondents were asked which technology transfer methods they used. The respondents were asked ( a) whether their technology transfer efforts were for specific projects, for groups of projects, or independent of projects and ( b) when they deployed project-specific technology transfer (at the beginning, middle, or end of a project). In this paper, several best practices in technology transfer are shared, including technology transfer implementation plans, advisory boards, symposia, and webinars.

The Road to Technology Transfer: An Infographic for Stakeholder Communications

The Road to Technology Transfer infographic (http://www.fuentek.com/techtransfer-process-infographic.php) was developed by Fuentek, LLC, to help technology transfer professionals communicate with their stakeholders about the long and complex path from an innovation’s discovery to its commercialization. In creating the infographic, the developers conducted an AMMO analysis of the Audience, Message, Mechanism, and Outcome of the communication effort to guide their work. Because each and every technology transfer effort is unique, and because each institution implements technology transfer in its own way, the infographic developers focused on making it as versatile as possible. Making it generic allowed the infographic to be relevant across many organizations, many types of technologies, and many markets—thereby increasing its potential value to technology transfer professionals communicating with their stakeholders. Keywords: Technology transfer, technology commercialization, intellectual property, patenting, licensing, infographic.

University reputation and technology commercialization: evidence from nanoscale science

We study how the scientific reputations and technology transfer policies of universities affect patenting by university researchers, with particular regard to whether they assign patent ownership to their university or to an outside firm. Using data on the career output of over 33,000 researchers in nanosciences, we find a strongly positive relationship of university reputation in nanosciences with the number of university-assigned patents, but almost a negligible association with firm-assignment of patents. University technology transfer office resources are related positively to both types of patents, but with diminishing returns. In contrast, the share of license revenue offered upfront to researchers is positively associated with university-assigned patents, but negatively related to firm-assigned patents. Taken together, our results suggest that universities that streamline their technology transfer efforts and improve their research reputation through support for basic research will see long-term success in technology commercialization.

Strategies for White and Yellow Maize Cultivar Improvement Research and Technology Transfer in Mexico

The Mexican federal government recently implemented a program to increase Mexico's maize (Zea mays L.) production through development and diffusion of technological packages incorporating improved seed cultivars. The initiative is known as MasAgro, Modernización Sustentable de la Agricultura Tradicional (i.e., Program of Sustainable Modernization of Traditional Agriculture). Mexico's diverse maize production sector requires research and technology transfer of white and yellow maize produced under rainfed and irrigated conditions by both traditional and commercially oriented farmers. A spatial and intertemporal Mexican maize sector model was formulated to assess three strategies for targeted cultivar development and optimized spatial distribution of maize production to improve Mexico's food security. Information by state and production season for average years 2008 to 2010 was used to obtain the model solution. Information and data for the model came from secondary sources, primarily Mexican government institutions. Research results provide guidance for Mexico's agricultural research and technology transfer efforts. Mexico's potential maize production was estimated, and strategies that consider distribution logistics and domestic maize consumption were compared. Results indicate that Mexico's potential maize production is 29.34 million Mg, or 95.1% of the average annual Mexican maize consumption between 2008 and 2010. The three maize sector planning strategies evaluated had higher social welfare values than the actual maize sector conditions in the baseline period 2008 to 2010. Thus, there are significant opportunities for agricultural research and technology transfer to improve Mexico's well‐being using integrated maize sector planning that includes targeted cultivar development and customized technology transfer for different regions, crop water conditions, and farmers.