Technology Transfer Projects Research Articles

Gerenciamento da transferência internacional de tecnologia: estudo de caso na indústria têxtil brasileira

A indústria têxtil brasileira tem enfrentado forte competição por parte de produtos importados a baixos preços da China e de outros países do Extremo Oriente. Para que possam manter a sua habilidade de competir no mercado local, as empresas têxteis brasileiras têm procurado adotar uma estratégia defensiva por meio da busca da diferenciação em seus produtos. Isso vem sendo obtido por meio do desenvolvimento de novos produtos de maior qualidade e de menor custo como decorrência da utilização de novas tecnologias em equipamentos de fabricação. De maneira geral, essas novas tecnologias têm sido transferidas para as empresas brasileiras por fabricantes internacionais de equipamentos têxteis. Assim, este artigo objetiva contribuir para aumentar a competitividade das indústrias têxteis brasileiras para enfrentar as difíceis condições atuais do mercado local por meio da adição de conhecimentos teóricos e de direcionamentos práticos que permitam a elas incrementar a efetividade de seus processos de transferência de tecnologia (TT). Para essa finalidade, realizou-se uma avaliação exploratória de quatro empresas produtoras de tecidos, nas quais tais projetos internacionais de TT tenham sido recentemente efetivados, utilizando-se como framework o modelo Stage-gate de transferência de tecnologia proposto por Jagoda, Maheshwari e Lonseth (2010). Como resultado dessa análise, foi possível identificar similaridades e dissimilaridades entre as práticas de transferência de tecnologia empregadas pelas quatro empresas avaliadas, bem como demonstrar que a utilização de um processo de TT, usando como referencial um modelo Stage-gate, poderia ser empregado para implementar melhorias significativas nas práticas de TT das empresas têxteis brasileiras e, com isso, auxiliá-las no seu árduo esforço para competir eficazmente contra as importações de baixo custo.

Measuring the performance of university technology transfer using meta data approach: the case of Dutch universities

The objective o this study is to empirically measure the performance of Dutch university’s technology transfer. Dutch universities are ranked high on research output but there is scarce evidence about the commercialization of research-based innovation. We present a novel approach to measure the performance of university technology transfer using meta data analysis. We use data on research output as meta-data to estimates the potential for technology transfer, and data about the actual technology transfer projects as measured by patents, license agreements and spin-offs. We tested our model for Dutch universities and validated it using data from private and state universities in the US. Our results suggest that most Dutch research universities have poor performance while technical Dutch universities and academic medical center perform well. We pilot-tested our model for selected US universities and the result confirm the validity of our approach. Our approach contributes to the literature on university technology transfer by adding a novel approach for measuring performance of university technology transfer while taking into account university research as the potential for technology transfer.

Preclinical evaluation of a Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine process intended for technology transfer

Introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in low- and middle-income countries has been limited by cost and availability of Hib conjugate vaccines for a long time. It was previously recognized by the Institute for Translational Vaccinology (Intravacc, originating from the former Vaccinology Unit of the National Institute of Public Health [RIVM] and the Netherlands Vaccine Institute [NVI]) that local production of a Hib conjugate vaccine would increase the affordability and sustainability of the vaccine and thereby help to speed up Hib introduction in these countries. A new affordable and a non-infringing production process for a Hib conjugate vaccine was developed, including relevant quality control tests, and the technology was transferred to a number of vaccine manufacturers in India, Indonesia, and China. As part of the Hib technology transfer project managed by Intravacc, a preclinical toxicity study was conducted in the Netherlands to test the safety and immunogenicity of this new Hib conjugate vaccine. The data generated by this study were used by the technology transfer partners to accelerate the clinical development of the new Hib conjugate vaccine.A repeated dose toxicity and local tolerance study in rats was performed to assess the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a new Hib conjugate vaccine compared to a licensed vaccine. The results showed that the vaccine was well tolerated and immunogenic in rats, no major differences in both safety and immunogenicity in rats were found between the vaccine produced according to the production process developed by Intravacc and the licensed one. Rats may be useful to verify the immunogenicity of Hib conjugate vaccines and for preclinical evaluation.In general, nonclinical evaluation of the new Hib conjugate vaccine, including this proof of concept (safety and immunogenicity study in rats), made it possible for technology transfer partners, having implemented the original process with no changes in the manufacturing process and vaccine formulation, to start directly with phase 1 clinical trials.

Data Analysis and Design Optimization in Industrial Product Development: How to Bring Real-life into the Classroom

The transmission, improvement and knowledge transfer are the priority areas of University core activity. To achieve excellence in these areas, requires high levels of specialization and consequently the inter-relationships between academic and professionals worlds acquire special importance and mutual understanding of what we do in both areas is essential. Based on the experience in knowledge and technology transfer projects, and the information gathered from the literature (publications, regulations and rules), we have identify areas of interest, needs and constraints. Integrating this information, we have structured a proposal academic strength, which in contrast to the classic, differs significantly in approach but not in the program. According to a “route map” of the product design development process, we identified and defined process activities, established the objective, scope and sub-activities for each one and finally, we have set the sequence of activities. Trying to brought reality to the classroom (reducing bias caused by excessive basic research orientation) has allowed us to capture further the interest of the students and consequently improve academic outcomes.

Influence processes of implementation effectiveness in challenged information technology projects in Africa

Purpose– This research reports on how influence processes (IP) impact on the implementation effectiveness of information technology (IT) projects. Drawing on an innovation perspective that elevate the interplay of factors related to innovations framing, innovations environment and innovation attributes, the study focused on IT projects based in Africa that are generally classified as “challenged” due to the conditions in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess how IP related to innovation framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes can be used to determine implementation effectiveness.Design/methodology/approach– Using a interpretive approach, a case study of institutions under a partnership that has been implementing various educational technologies in five African countries formed the sample. In all, 25 interviews of top-management representatives, project leaders and user representatives were conducted between 2012 and 2013 to assess the implementation effectiveness of these projects. Theoretical thematic analysis, based on a deductive approach, was employed to analyse the data.Findings– The results show that a majority of these development-oriented projects are “mandated failures” characterized by high framing, a bad internal environment and typically negative innovation attributes. That typically, the institutions engage symbolically in such innovations initiatives which are regarded as “show” projects. Such behaviour can be construed to be a pattern of cynical technology adoption linked to the appeasement of external stakeholders. In addition, participation in initiatives was largely symbolic and is considered as a mere demonstration of a modern organization that is technologically aware, yet the requisite innovation environment is lacking for effective appropriation of the technology. Third, mandated failures result in low morale of employees, who regard themselves as pawns in the process which make them grudgingly participate in the implementation process.Practical implications– These findings have implications for managing innovations in such challenged environments: the first proposition is that projects in challenged environment for innovation adopting organizations need to be considered as technology transfer projects. Second, the innovation environment and attributes can only be improved during implementation of the conditions related to absorptive capacity of the organization and the individual are addressed.Originality/value– The research reported in this paper, provides an empirical determination of the concept of implementation effectiveness by using three constructs of innovations framing, environment and attributes. On the basis of the empirical findings, an original contribution is claimed, especially in “challenged” IT project environments where the concept of success if fluid and outcomes uncertain.

Importance of individual capacity building for successful solar program implementation: A case study in the Philippines

Solar energy is often chosen as the enabling technology for many off grid, rural electrification projects. In many situations photovoltaic systems (PV) prove to be a highly effective means of meeting essential needs such as lighting for homes, schools and community centres, as well as remote telecommunication, fresh drinking water and vaccine refrigeration. Throughout the Pacific-island region, countries such as the Philippines have experimented with small scale rural energy projects for over three decades. There are lack of adequate ‘individual’ technical training and appropriate social preparation activities has often resulted in project failures due to poor maintenance, abuse, poor installation, and lack of understanding by the system owner, operator or local technician. This research was aimed at investigating the importance of individual training in capacity building programs for solar home system (SHS) technology transfer projects. The focus is on the analysis of the effectiveness of the individual training component in various projects in the Philippines. A survey has been undertaken which included a series of SHS site visits and individual surveys with system owners and operators, and Focus Group Discussions with other project stakeholders. Survey results show that adequate user and local technician training is an important factor in successfully implementing rural electrification through PV power systems. However, for training to be successful there must be a consensus of what the target performance behaviors should be and how they should be measured. The most basic requirements for successful training are that the training reaches to the right people at the right time and delivers the right content.

INNOVATION THROUGH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACTFor irrigation water management, knowledge created through scientific research has to meet the criterion of being useful for decisions and actions. Research projects must therefore be directed and managed according to the innovation cycle. It means that research must be taken further to application of outputs and actually result in outcomes that are socially beneficial. Research‐based innovation is thus about turning opportunities into ideas and thereafter widely used practice, by following the iterative process of creativity, invention and exploitation. Innovation is the instrument of entrepreneurship, which is essential in research management. Decisions must be taken on the allocation of scarce funds for competent scientists to improve the knowledge base. In irrigation water management the key decision variables for efficient food production are measuring water use; reducing canal water losses; estimating crop water requirements; real‐time irrigation scheduling; costing and investment procedures; and selecting appropriate technology for water application. Case studies are presented of research on these priority issues, which were followed by technology transfer projects to review and improve practical application. Training guidelines and manuals were compiled in support of skills development through practical courses and extension programmes. This required a continuous, focused drive to promote technology adoption and implementation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effective management of international technology transfer projects

Purpose– The Brazilian textile industry has been facing fierce competition from low-cost imports from China and other Far East countries. To maintain their competitiveness in the local market, Brazilian companies have been adopting the product differentiation strategy. By using new technologies, they are able to develop new products with better quality at lower costs. With regard to new technologies, companies in the Brazilian textile industry have been using get-some and buy-some strategy, and international technology transfer (TT) has become an important part of their business strategies. However, due to lack of planning, many projects failed to achieve the desired results. This paper aims to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance on how textile firms could use a stage-gate model to enhance the effectiveness of their TT projects.Design/methodology/approach– In order to investigate the TT practices in the Brazilian context, three issues are assessed. First, the paper evaluates the possibility of deploying TT practices used by firms in similar industries, to enhance the effectiveness of TT process. Second, it verifies whether it is possible for the textile firms to use a stage-gate model to manage their TT processes, using as a normative framework the stage-gate model proposed by Jagoda and Ramanathan and Jagodaet al.Finally, possible changes to the stage-gate model are evaluated to specifically fit the Brazilian textile sector. This step is accomplished through four case studies from the Brazilian textile industry.Findings– The analyses of TT projects carried out by four companies show that there are many similarities and differences among the TT practices that are employed by the four companies that were investigated. The evaluation of the TT practices of the Brazilian textile companies against the stage-gate framework allowed authors to identify the gaps between the model and the TT practices of the companies investigated. Broader guidelines in adapting the stage-gate model to improve the TT process in the textile industry are discussed in the final part of this study.Originality/value– The TT process in the Brazilian textile industry is not a widely investigated phenomenon; however, this process has been critical to enhancing Brazil's competitiveness. Thus, providing a better framework to support the TT process in the local textile sector could be relevant information for improving management action in the area.

Monitoring of technology transfer projects in industrial clusters

A well-managed Technology Transfer (TT) project is acknowledged as a means to transform research from universities into high added value products and enhance the innovative capabilities of collaborating companies to support regional clusters. Nevertheless, a TT project is a particular innovation process in which the technological dimension is predominant and multiple autonomous but interrelated stakeholders are involved during a limited period of time. For this reason, the conventional tools of project management are not always adapted to monitoring a TT project. As a consequence, there is a need for new tools and metrics to ensure optimal deployment and results. Based on a comprehensive literature analysis and a long-term field observation of five transfer projects, the contribution of the present paper is twofold. First, a conceptual model for a TT process between a Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) is proposed. Second, a definition is given for a set of indicators to monitor the TT projects after gathering observable facts throughout the collaborative projects. The level of knowledge materialization turns out to be the most important indicator of a TT project defined here, as the IOT (Intermediary Object of Transfer).JEL codes: O31, 032, L24

A Conceptual Model for University-Industry Knowledge Transfer through Technology Intelligence Cycles and Social Networks: Multiple case study of Technology Transfer Projects

Technology intelligence provides a means for organizations to monitor developments and to look for new technologies and to then pass this information to the decision-makers or planners in the organization. This paper analyses the university-industry knowledge transfer gaps and suggests that technology intelligence (TI) cycles and processes through social networks could reduce the gaps and eases knowledge transfer. The role of TI as a linkage between academia and industries and influences of social networks is also discussed. In order to explore the variety of interrelations between TI cycles and university-industry knowledge transfer, we perform a case study of 70 projects of University -Industry technology transfer which were facilitated by governmental agencies in Iran. Based on our interviews and in order to have a better perception of the university industry knowledge transfer gaps, we have listed the principal factors contributing to this gap and the reasons why the gap needs to be bridged. According to our case studies, partial or complete technology intelligence (TI) cycles could play important role to narrow the university-industry gaps in several ways. To generalize knowledge transfer and TI cycles interrelations; we suggested a conceptual three layer model at the interface of university-industry-government triple helix. Three layers are include connection layer or linking hyper cycle, process layer or technology intelligence hyper cycle, and physical layer or social networks. TI cycles are performed by University, Industry staff and researchers. These people do their work through social networks. Thus, this layer acts as an inner layer which respectively results in the processes and functions of middle and outer layer and eventually eases knowledge transfer through interface of university industry overlaps.

Introduction of static quality analysis in small- and medium-sized software enterprises: experiences from technology transfer

Today, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the software industry face major challenges. Their resource constraints require high efficiency in development. Furthermore, quality assurance (QA) measures need to be taken to mitigate the risk of additional, expensive effort for bug fixes or compensations. Automated static analysis (ASA) can reduce this risk because it promises low application effort. SMEs seem to take little advantage of this opportunity. Instead, they still mainly rely on the dynamic analysis approach of software testing. In this article, we report on our experiences from a technology transfer project. Our aim was to evaluate the results static analysis can provide for SMEs as well as the problems that occur when introducing and using static analysis in SMEs. We analysed five software projects from five collaborating SMEs using three different ASA techniques: code clone detection, bug pattern detection and architecture conformance analysis. Following the analysis, we applied a quality model to aggregate and evaluate the results. Our study shows that the effort required to introduce ASA techniques in SMEs is small (mostly below one person-hour each). Furthermore, we encountered only few technical problems. By means of the analyses, we could detect multiple defects in production code. The participating companies perceived the analysis results to be a helpful addition to their current QA and will include the analyses in their QA process. With the help of the Quamoco quality model, we could efficiently aggregate and rate static analysis results. However, we also encountered a partial mismatch with the opinions of the SMEs. We conclude that ASA and quality models can be a valuable and affordable addition to the QA process of SMEs.

Traveling Engineers, Machines, and Comparisons: Intersecting Imaginations and Journeys in the Thai Local Engineering Industry

Recent studies in STS and anthropology have elucidated that the travel of science has been entangled with various forms of travel, including indigenous modes. While the Western style of travel often entails comparative imaginations about the difference between places and people focusing on culture, some anthropologists argue that the indigenous conceptualization of difference and travel can be radically different from Western notions. This article explores the intricate relationship between travel of technology and imaginations about difference by focusing on two modes of comparisons found in engineering practices in two significantly different contexts in Thailand: in a technology-transfer project sponsored by the Japanese government and in small factories in the informal sector, which is the supposed target of the project. In both contexts, comparisons between engineering practices are almost inevitable as the Japanese engineers and Thai mechanics make sense of the relationships between the two countries as iterated in their practices. Embedded in the structure of the Japanese transfer project is an interest in the social contexts of technology; following that impulse, this article juxtaposes two largely different modes of travel and comparative imaginations and sheds light on the unnoticed presumptions of the modern comparative imagination.

International technology transfer and its impact on innovation enhancement for firms based in Sri Lanka

This paper presents research findings from industrial firms based in Sri Lanka who need to acquire new technologies from the external environment in order to compete and upgrade their innovation capabilities. We analyse some of the key challenges faced by the recipients of knowledge in international technology transfer projects from the perspective of technology receiver firms based in a developing country. Through this technology transfer process the receiver firms attempt to utilise knowledge, from the technology senders based in advanced countries, in order to help them upgrade their innovation capabilities. This upgrading process involves overcoming some challenges related to training provision, human resources, language barriers, complexity of transfer process, and recipient’s lack of absorptive capacity. We present a number of important managerial implications, especially relevant for technology receivers in developing countries.

A Framework for Sustainable Implementation of E-Medicine in Transitioning Countries

Organizations in developed countries such as the United States of America and Canada face difficulties and challenges in technology transfer from one organization to another; the complexity of problems easily compounds when such transfers are attempted from developed to developing countries due to differing socioeconomic and cultural environments. There is a gap in the formation of research and education programs to address technology transfer issues that go beyond just transferring the technologies to sustaining such transfers for longer periods. This study examined telemedicine transfer challenges in three Sub-Sahara African countries and developed a framework for sustainable implementation of e-medicine. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The study findings indicate that e-medicine sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa is affected by institutional factors such as institutional environment and knowledge management practices; technical factors such as the technological environment and technology transfer project environment; social environmental factors such as social environment and donor involvement. These factors were used to model the proposed framework.

Measuring of Technological Capabilities in Technology Transfer (TT) Projects

Technology Transfer (TT) projects involve the cross-boarder transfer of technology with the main purpose of enhancing the local technological capabalities in response to a changing economic environment. Technological capability refers to an organisation’s capacity to deploy, develop and utilise technological resources and integrate them with other complementary resources to supply the differentiated products and services. Technological capability is embodied not only in the employees’ knowledge and skills and the technical system, but also in the managerial system, values and norms. Therefore, the phenomena of TT projects occur at the macro and micro level in organisations. The main problem identified in international TT is the lack of managerial capabilities. The common question is how to measure technological capabilities from the perspective of technology receivers. The objective of this paper is to measure the level of technological capabilities in TT projects. The empirical research was undertaken by means of Case Studies using semi-structured interviews with Human Resource Management officers from six (6) Category of G7 contractor companies in Malaysia. . A total of six organisations (currently engaged in overseas projects) were involved representing 100% response rate. The results were analysed using of NVivo software version 8. The findings revealed that, three components for measuring the level of technological capabilities in TT projects are production performance (i.e., construction cost, time, product quality, safety, productivity, profitability, and client satisfaction); technology utilisation (i.e., labour force and organisation & management); and firm’s/orgaisation’s capability (i.e., tools & equipment, research input and development output). These measurements could be used as a guideline for measuring technological capabilities in TT projects for construction organisations.

Technology transfer of oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant manufacturing for pandemic influenza vaccine production in Romania

Many developing countries lack or have inadequate pandemic influenza vaccine manufacturing capacity. In the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, this led to delayed and inadequate vaccine coverage in the developing world. Thus, bolstering developing country influenza vaccine manufacturing capacity is urgently needed. The Cantacuzino Institute in Bucharest, Romania has been producing seasonal influenza vaccine since the 1970s, and has the capacity to produce ∼5 million doses of monovalent vaccine in the event of an influenza pandemic. Inclusion of an adjuvant in the vaccine could enable antigen dose sparing, expanding vaccine coverage and potentially allowing universal vaccination of the Romanian population and possibly neighboring countries. However, adjuvant formulation and manufacturing know-how are difficult to access. This manuscript describes the successful transfer of oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant manufacturing and quality control technologies from the Infectious Disease Research Institute in Seattle, USA to the Cantacuzino Institute. By describing the challenges and accomplishments of the project, it is hoped that the knowledge and experience gained will benefit other institutes involved in similar technology transfer projects designed to facilitate increased vaccine manufacturing capacity in developing countries.

Technology transfer of an oil-in-water vaccine-adjuvant for strengthening pandemic influenza preparedness in Indonesia

With the current enzootic circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, the ability to increase global pandemic influenza vaccine production capacity is of paramount importance. This has been highlighted by, and is one of the main pillars of, the WHO Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines (GAP). Such capacity expansion is especially relevant in developing countries. The Vaccine Formulation Laboratory at University of Lausanne is engaged in the technology transfer of an antigen-sparing oil-in-water adjuvant in order to empower developing countries vaccine manufacturers to increase pandemic influenza vaccine capacity. In a one-year project funded by United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Vaccine Formulation Laboratory transferred the process know-how and associated equipment for the pilot-scale manufacturing of an oil-in-water adjuvant to Bio Farma, Indonesia's state-owned vaccine manufacturer, for subsequent formulation with H5N1 pandemic influenza vaccines. This paper describes the experience acquired and lessons learnt from this technology transfer project.

Waste disposal technology transfer matching requirement clusters for waste disposal facilities in China

Even though technology transfer has been part of development aid programmes for many decades, it has more often than not failed to come to fruition. One reason is the absence of simple guidelines or decision making tools that help operators or plant owners to decide on the most suitable technology to adopt. Practical suggestions for choosing the most suitable technology to combat a specific problem are hard to get and technology drawbacks are not sufficiently highlighted. Western counterparts in technology transfer or development projects often underestimate or don’t sufficiently account for the high investment costs for the imported incineration plant; the differing nature of Chinese MSW; the need for trained manpower; and the need to treat flue gas, bunker leakage water, and ash, all of which contain highly toxic elements.This article sets out requirements for municipal solid waste disposal plant owner/operators in China as well as giving an attribute assessment for the prevalent waste disposal plant types in order to assist individual decision makers in their evaluation process for what plant type might be most suitable in a given situation. There is no ‘best’ plant for all needs and purposes, and requirement constellations rely on generalisations meaning they cannot be blindly applied, but an alignment of a type of plant to a type of owner or operator can realistically be achieved. To this end, a four-step approach is suggested and a technology matrix is set out to ease the choice of technology to transfer and avoid past errors. The four steps are (1) Identification of plant owner/operator requirement clusters; (2) Determination of different municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment plant attributes; (3) Development of a matrix matching requirement clusters to plant attributes; (4) Application of Quality Function Deployment Method to aid in technology localisation.The technology transfer matrices thus derived show significant performance differences between the various technologies available. It is hoped that the resulting research can build a bridge between technology transfer research and waste disposal research in order to enhance the exchange of more sustainable solutions in future.

PHASING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROJECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This paper describes appropriate phases and review points (or ‘gates’) for South African projects aimed at transferring technology for socio-economic development. Data gathering was done through a Delphi survey supplemented by a focus group session. A total of 42 knowledgeable respondents participated. The most significant phases of projects under consideration were confirmed, and relevant activities per phase and criteria for reviewing at the ‘gates’ between phases were identified. A total of 59% of resources should be made available for pre- and post-implementation activities, compared with the 41% of project resources to be made available during implementation. The causes of the failure of technology transfer projects under consideration were also identified. It is concluded that the use of a phased approach would improve the probability of project success. OPSOMMING

Feasibility of the Nordic forest energy harvesting technology in Poland and Scotland

Abstract Finland and Sweden have been forerunners in the development of wood harvesting machinery and methods. In both countries, small- and large-scale supply systems for wood chips have been in operation for several decades. More recently, the production and use of forest chips from logging residues and small diameter trees has been growing rapidly. The European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets for the use of renewable energy to mitigate climate change and to increase domestic energy security and self-sufficiency. The largest unutilised source for renewable energy in the EU is forest biomass. European forests could fulfill one third of the goal set for biomass-based energy production in the EU’s Biomass Action Plan. In addition, member countries have started national programmes to promote the use of biomass for energy. As a result, interest in Nordic forest energy technology has been increasing rapidly in other parts of the EU. The Finnish Forest Research Institute and its collaborators have been running a technology transfer project in ten European countries, with the goal of tailoring and adapting Nordic forest technology to local conditions through analysing the applicability, costs and overall competitiveness of selected feedstock supply technologies. This paper summarizes the findings of feasibility studies carried out in Poland and Scotland and gives an overview of the current situation and development trends of forest energy in the European Union.