Technology Transfer 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.

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM FOREIGN COMPANIES TO LOCAL COMPANIES IN MEXICO TO INCREASE REAL INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT

This research examines strategies to enhance technology transfer from foreign companies to local businesses in Mexico to boost income and employment. Despite significant foreign direct investment (FDI), Mexico has seen limited improvements in wages and high-skill job opportunities. The study will find solutions to identified problems including the dominance of foreign firms, which contribute to these challenges. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the research will collect data from 15 local and foreign companies, focusing on patent purchases, staff qualifications, and intellectual property charges. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) will be used to analyze the relationships between education, human capital, and firm performance in facilitating technology transfer. The findings will inform policy recommendations to improve local productivity, wages, and Mexico's competitiveness in the global economy.

Rapid manufacture of low-seed CAR-T cells in a GMP-grade hollow-fiber bioreactor platform

Both quality of product and rapidity of manufacture are critical parameters if ex vivo manufacturing of autologous chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies is to reach its full potential. The Quantum Flex™ Cell Expansion System from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a hollow-fiber bioreactor platform, is one of several cell expansion systems available to cell and gene therapy manufacturers to generate such cells in a GMP-compliant manner. In this study, the dynamic range of the Quantum Flex platform to expand CD19 CAR-T cells from variable quantities of starting material was investigated. Reflecting the industry's utilization of contract development manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) for accelerating clinical timelines, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies performed a technology transfer of application protocols for study execution. Four different amounts starting material (1, 3, 6, and 15 million cells) were expanded on Quantum Flex, using a unique donor's cells for each run. In this study, CAR-T cells were created using commercially obtained T cells and an anti-CD19 CAR-T lentiviral construct. The resultant heterogenous cell populations were expanded for 7 days in the functionally closed bioreactor platform. Expansion kinetics for all 4 starting material amounts were remarkedly similar, resulting in a 150- to 200-fold increase in cell numbers. This allowed for a study maximum of 2.6 billion cells from loading 15 million cells. Viability remained high throughout the expansion process with > 93% for all 4 donors at harvest. To complete the manufacturing cycle, the automated and functionally closed Finia™ Fill and Finish System (Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Lakewood, CO) was used to formulate the cells for cryopreservation. Post-procedure analysis for potency and cytotoxicity demonstrated the production of efficacious cells. With this range of starting numbers, the platform is relevant to adult, pediatric, and compassionate CAR-T expansion dosing. Today, several platforms are available to achieve sufficient cell yields for therapeutic applications of CAR-T, and awareness of the capabilities, pros, and cons of each platform is critical to drive progress.

Enhancement of physiology via adaptive transcription.

The enhancement of complex physiological functions such as cognition and exercise performance in healthy individuals represents a challenging goal. Adaptive transcription programs that are naturally activated in animals to mediate cellular plasticity in response to stimulation can be leveraged to enhance physiological function above wild-type levels in young organisms and counteract complex functional decline in aging. In processes such as learning and memory and exercise-dependent muscle remodeling, a relatively small number of molecules such as certain stimulus-responsive transcription factors and immediate early genes coordinate widespread changes in cellular physiology. Adaptive transcription can be targeted by various methods including pharmaceutical compounds and gene transfer technologies. Important problems for leveraging adaptive transcription programs for physiological enhancement include a better understanding of their dynamical organization, more precise methods to influence the underlying molecular components, and the integration of adaptive transcription into multi-scale physiological enhancement concepts.

Multiple scattering effect of spherical LaPO4 enhanced broadband emissivity for heat dissipation of electronic devices

High-performance infrared radiation materials with excellent broadband emissivity, remarkable thermal stability, and scalable fabrication processes play a vital role in heat dissipation and energy-saving applications. However, current strategies of broadband emissivity enhancement remain inadequate. This study investigates the impact of LaPO4 morphology on the infrared radiation properties of composite coating. Three distinct morphologies (sphere, rod and mesh sheet) of LaPO4 are explored using a simulation-aided method. The composite coating filled with large-sized spherical LaPO4 particles with low diffuse reflection, exhibits a significantly enhanced infrared radiation capability, resulting in a broadband emissivity of 95.6 %. Furthermore, the composite coating achieves a large temperature reduction of 6.2 °C and high cooling efficiency of 11.9 % when subjected to a heating power of 2250 W/m2. This work provides an innovative strategy for regulating material emissivity through morphology control, benefiting advancements low-cost radiation heat transfer technology.

Electro-osmotic flow and heat transfer in Jeffery fluid: A multi-membrane microchannel model

Microscale heat transfer is vital for the performance of smart thermal devices like heat sinks, thermosyphons, and microheat pipes. This study introduces a biothermal pumping flow model based on a multi-membrane pumping mechanism that leverages microscale heat transfer. The model describes rhythmic contraction and relaxation of membranes, combined with electro-osmosis in Jeffery fluid flow within a vertical microchannel of finite length. Two membranes on the microchannel walls, with varying amplitudes, diameters, and phase lags, generate pressure that moves fluid in both directions through contraction and expansion cycles. The model is based on the conservation of mass and momentum, using a low Reynolds number approximation to capture microscale transport phenomena at biomedical scales. Dimensionless conservation equations are analytically solved under no-slip boundary conditions, with results computed in MATLAB for clarity. Axial velocity results are simulated and verified using the optimal homotopy analysis method. The model explores the influence of key parameters (UHS, me, λ, Gr, β) on pressure gradient, velocity distribution, volumetric flow rates, skin friction, Nusselt number, and stream function. The findings demonstrate that pressure from membrane motion is significantly affected by thermal effects and buoyancy forces, and flow and pumping characteristics are largely determined by the fluid's rheological qualities and the geometrical features of the membrane. This study provides novel ideas for enhancing the functionality and design of smart thermal devices while also advancing microscale heat transfer technology.

Improving the technology transfer in Ukraine under the conditions of implementing the international policy of sustainable development

The object of this research is a set of management and regulatory methods of state influence on the technology transfer of Ukraine in the context of the implementation of the global model of sustainable development policy. Methods and techniques of public regulation of technology transfer in Ukraine and its compliance with the requirements of sustainable development are studied. The analysis and generalization of the existing world and international approaches to the definition of sustainable development policy established that technology transfer is one of the key objects of managerial influence. It has been proven that the existing regulatory model of technology transfer in Ukraine, formed without taking into account the goals of sustainable development, does not meet its strategic development objectives. The expediency of improving the existing concept of regulation and management of technology transfer in Ukraine in order to eliminate the identified inconsistencies is substantiated. Recommendations have been made regarding directions for improving regulatory and management approaches to determining technology transfer in Ukraine. The necessity of making changes to the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer» has been proved, with the aim of bringing it into line with the international policy of sustainable development. The research is aimed at the formation of general theoretical foundations for the improvement of managerial and regulatory methods of technology transfer in Ukraine. The research results can be used in the improvement of public rules of technology transfer, the formation of strategic public management decisions, state technological policy and serve as a basis for further scientific research on these issues. The conclusions obtained in the course of this research can be used to solve issues and problems of improving the current legislation of Ukraine to the requirements of international agreements and documents.

Quantitative Analysis of Contributions of KIGAM to Domestic Industry Through Technology Transfer, Technical Consulting, Startups, and Cooperation in the R&D Fields of Mineral and Energy Resources and Geological Information

Quantitative Analysis of Contributions of KIGAM to Domestic Industry Through Technology Transfer, Technical Consulting, Startups, and Cooperation in the R&D Fields of Mineral and Energy Resources and Geological Information

Pendampingan Teknis Teknologi Tepat Guna Budidaya Udang Vaname Skala Kecil di Desa Pengambengan, Jembrana, Bali

Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is one of Indonesia's fishery commodities with high economic value in the domestic and foreign markets. They are applying appropriate technology through small-scale shrimp farming aimed to transfer technology in partner villages from traditional to intensive systems. This program was an effort to improve the welfare of the fishery community in Desa Pengambengan, Jembrana, Bali. This program was carried out in May‒July 2022, and it involved the Mina Jaya Fish Cultivator Group as the target community. The activity program was carried out through several stages, including audience activity, counseling, technical assistance, and monitoring and evaluation. The activity succeeded in increasing the knowledge and skills of the target community regarding vaname shrimp cultivation in detail. Technical assistance for cultivation activities has increased community understanding of small-scale intensive shrimp cultivation, minimizing errors and increasing program success. Monitoring and evaluation are carried out to determine the sustainability of activities in the target community. This community service activity has succeeded in increasing the productivity of Pacific white shrimp cultivation and technology transfer from the traditional system to a small-scale intensive system.

Examining partnerships in the technical assistance provided by the Climate Technology Centre and Network for enhancing technology development and transfer in alignment with the Paris Agreement

Examining partnerships in the technical assistance provided by the Climate Technology Centre and Network for enhancing technology development and transfer in alignment with the Paris Agreement

Innovation, Global Competitiveness and Human Development Index: EU Cluster Case

This study investigates the effects of innovation on global competitiveness within the framework of the EU13 and EU15 countries. Using a Pooled Driscoll and Kraay regression analysis that takes into account unit and time effects, the research illuminates the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI), which represents Global Competitiveness, Research Expenditure, the Number of Researchers, the Number of Patents, and the Human Capital Index. The findings reveal that while the number of researchers and research expenditure lack a statistically significant effect on HDI in both groups, a significant positive correlation was found between HDI and both the number of patents and human capital. More specifically, for EU13 countries, an increase in the number of patents and human capital leads to respective increases of 0.005 and 0.04 in the HDI, while for EU15 countries, these figures stand at 0.0008 and 0.03 respectively. The study concludes that investment strategies aimed at enhancing human capital and increasing the number of patent applications can notably improve global competitiveness. For EU13 countries, in particular, greater effort in the mentioned areas is needed to narrow the gap with their EU15 counterparts. In addition, despite the indirect impact on competitiveness, it is recommended for EU13 countries to boost their R&D investments and foster technological transfer to enhance their innovation capabilities. The findings from this study underscore the pivotal role of innovation in achieving global competitiveness and suggest a need for stronger collaboration within the European Union, particularly in scientific and technological fields, to facilitate knowledge and skill exchange.

Two-Way Single-Photon Laser Time Transfer for High-Speed Moving Platforms

The two-way laser time transfer technology, based on single-photon detection, is among the techniques requiring the least weight and power consumption for ultra-long-distance clock synchronization. It holds promise as the most viable technology for high-accuracy inter-satellite clock synchronization, particularly for small satellites that are highly sensitive to weight and power consumption. In this study, we analyze laser time transfer in fast-moving platforms and find that not only does the relative motion speed between platforms significantly impact the clock offset measurement, but also the components of each platform’s relative motion velocity are critical. We introduce a lightweight scenario for laser time transfer, capable of achieving high-precision and high-accuracy interstellar clock offset measurements within a 5000 km range using high repetition rate microchip lasers and single-pixel single-photon detectors. With a speed accuracy of ±0.06 m/s, the precision of clock offset measurement surpasses 3 ps at full width at half maximum (FWHM), making it suitable for high-speed and high-precision clock synchronization between near-Earth satellites.

Photonics Research Interview with Professor Yidong Huang

This interview article features Professor Yidong Huang, a pioneering scientist and exceptional community leader in optoelectronics, whose contributions extend beyond academia into entrepreneurship and leadership. As part of a new series launched by Photonics Research, this interview aims to highlight the journeys and achievements of prominent women in optics and photonics. Through insightful reflections, Professor Huang discusses her scientific journey, including the challenges she encountered, her proudest achievements, and her vision for the future of optoelectronics. She also shares advice for young researchers, strategies for maintaining work–life balance, and experiences with technology transfer from academia to industry.

Synthesis of Ultrathin Film PEGDMA Hydrogels Coated onto Different Surfaces by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma: Characterization and Potential Features for the Biomedical Field

AbstractThe preparation of resistant ultrathin film (utf) hydrogels coated onto different working surfaces (e.g., fabrics) is paying increasing attention as an advantageous strategy for customizing their resultant properties. More specifically, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based utf‐hydrogels are relevant for their superior biocompatibility or antibiofouling properties. However, promoting the generation of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) cross‐links ideally without the use of initiators or other cross‐link agents, which might compromise the final bioactivity of the system, is complicated. Moreover, the actual synthesis techniques used for the preparation of such utf‐hydrogels face important drawbacks like high scale‐up costs or important geometrical restrictions, completely hindering its technological transfer. Herein, for the first time and easy and technologically scalable technology is reported for the synthesis and direct deposition of PEGDMA400 utf‐hydrogels onto different substrates based on atmospheric pressure nanosecond pulsed plasma approach. The advantages of the technology are explored and discussed, reporting the ready‐to‐use transparent coating of fabrics. After washing the samples using washing programs of a commercial laundry machine, coatings are still well adhered, showing excellent stability. Finally, the resultant properties of PEGDMA400 utf‐hydrogels are exhaustively characterized using in operando conditions in order to elucidate their potential capabilities in the biomedical field.

Exploring Vessels from the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry in Design of Deep-Sea Mining Vessels

_ In this paper, vessels from the offshore oil and gas industry are explored in the conceptual design of value-robust deep-sea mining vessel solutions. The responsive systems comparison method is applied in a case addressing two hypothetical stakeholders: a mining company and a vessel operator. Their value propositions are outlined and pave the ground for important attributes that consolidate into conceptual vessel design solutions. The cost–benefit trade-offs for various design solutions and technology choices are discussed for different future scenarios. The results indicate that complexity drives high CAPEX generation, yielding so-called gold-plated designs. Lower cost mitigation measures should be taken to ensure future missions of a deep-sea mining vessel. The consequences of design choices on commercial considerations are discussed, such as the vessels’ second-hand value in the market and alternative uses. Keywords deep-sea mining; offshore vessels; ship design; technology transfer; cost–benefit; scenario-testing

Foreign Direct Investment and Its Effect on Agricultural Productivity Kenya

Kenya has historically been one of Africa's top destinations for foreign direct investment. Foreign direct investment is critical for Kenya's agricultural sector, offering capital, technology transfer, and skill development that enhance productivity and economic growth. Despite agriculture being a primary economic driver, challenges such as limited capital, outdated farming techniques, and insufficient infrastructure continue to hinder growth. The research explores the contribution of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity in Kenya as well as to assess the effect of foreign direct investment on the productivity levels of small-scale and large-scale farmers in Kenya for a period 1993 to 2022. Neoclassical growth theory, Endogenous theory were key in guiding the study. This study adapted the causal research design employing time series data from World Bank spanning from years 1993 to 2022. Data was analyzed the data both descriptively and by inferential statistics. The findings of correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive relationships (r= 0.3213) between Foreign direct investment and agricultural productivity. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the significant positive effect of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity with a coefficient of 0.3661 and p value 0.0014<0.05. This signifies that, in the short term, a 1% increase in foreign direct investment results in a 36.61% rise in the growth of Agricultural productivity, assuming all other variables remain constant. The findings implied that foreign direct investment inflow has the ability to create employment, technological development and improve access to international markets playing a pivotal role in accelerating the agricultural productivity. The Kenyan government should have more effective foreign direct investment strategies to facilitate technology transfer agreements between foreign investors and local agricultural enterprises, additionally, the government should pursue macroeconomic policies that attract foreign direct investment by providing an investor-friendly environment.

Indicators of Attracting Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries: Evidence from Vietnam

In today’s global economy, whether in advanced or emerging markets, the importance of being open to trade and investment is widely acknowledged as a key driver of economic growth. This economic openness is primarily demonstrated through the unrestricted exchange of goods and services as well as the free movement of international capital. While previous studies have investigated the effects of export-driven, import-driven, and capital-driven growth strategies, this research focuses on analyzing the impact of each indicator of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). By utilizing a panel data model covering 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam from 2018 to 2022, this study explores the correlation between PCI, FDI, and economic expansion. Findings suggest that export-oriented growth policies can be more effective in fostering the development of Asian emerging economies than FDI-centric approaches. Nonetheless, FDI continues to be crucial for technology transfer, capital accumulation, and knowledge exchange in management. Regions with advanced economies are more appealing to FDI, while provinces with distinctive industrial strengths also attract foreign investment. To further boost FDI inflows, it is advised that the government streamline market entry procedures, reduce administrative and tax burdens, increase transparency, and promote fair competition. These measures are anticipated to improve the investment climate and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.

Emerging Issues of IPR in Developing and Under Developed Countries

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are pivotal in driving innovation, creativity and economic growth globally. However, they also pose significant challenges, particularly for developing and underdeveloped nations. IPR can hinder access to essential goods, such as medications, educational materials, and agricultural technologies, exacerbating inequalities and stifling innovation. The monopolistic control of IPR by developed countries often leads to economic dependency and limits knowledge sharing crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and public health. To mitigate these issues, a multifaceted approach is required, including strengthening legal framework, empowering communities, promoting technology transfer, and fostering international cooperation. Reforming the current IPR regime to ensure equitable access and benefit-sharing can harness the potential of intellectual property for sustainable development and global prosperity.

Carbon dynamics: A holistic analysis of FDI, trade liberalization, urbanization, economic growth, and effects on CO2 emissions in South Asia

In recent years, South Asian nations have experienced robust economic growth, prompting concerns among policymakers about the sustainability of this growth due to rising pollution emissions. This study conducts an objective assessment of the impact of key variables, such as trade liberalization, economic growth, foreign direct investment inflows, and urbanization, on environmental outcomes across selected economies of South Asia from 1990 to 2022. To describe cross-sectional dependencies in the dataset, panel cointegration techniques are employed alongside cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) models. For added robustness, dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) techniques are utilized to investigate the long-term coalition among the variables. The study integrates first- and second-generation panel methods to improve the depth and reliability of the analysis by addressing methodological limitations. The pragmatic results reveal that trade liberalization, FDI inflows, economic growth, and urbanization increase CO2 emissions by 0.392%, 0.354%, 0.275%, and 0.429%, respectively. Dumitrescu and Hurlin (D–H) causality tests show a unidirectional causal link from trade liberalization to environmental degradation. Additionally, a bidirectional causal link is observed between environmental deterioration and both FDI inflows and urbanization in South Asian countries. To mitigate environmental impact, these nations should evaluate foreign investment conditions and enhance technology transfer from foreign enterprises. Furthermore, implementing trade-related policies to reduce CO2 emissions is imperative.

Scientific and technical business trips of scientists to Germany in the 1920s as one of the factors in the development of the Leningrad industrial complex

In the article, the author examines Leningrad scientists’ business trips to Germany in the 1920s as one of the directions of technology transfer mechanism implementation. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that the example of Leningrad shows the substance of this line of transfer, as well as a general assessment of its effectiveness. Thus, the historical memory of a unique experience is restored, which may be of interest at the present stage of Russia’s development. The study focuses on the problems of scientific and technical international cooperation with local scientific communities. This fills a gap in historical scholarship, as the specifics of such cooperation are considered mainly either at a community level or at the level of an individual organisation or individual. The main goal of the study is to determine the extent to which the contacts between Leningrad scientists and German specialists, established in the 1920s, influenced the modernisation of the Leningrad industrial complex. Research objectives are: to analyse the main cooperation directions between Leningrad scientists and German institutes, scientific centres, and laboratories in the period under consideration; to classify business trips, to identify general patterns, and to analyse the specific features of different types of business trips and their results. The article draws on a broad source base that includes previously unpublished archive documentation of the Russian State Academy of Economics, Central State Archive of St. Petersburg, and the Central State Academy of Technical Sciences of St. Petersburg. In the course of the study, drawing on specific cases, it was demonstrated that the active involvement of scientific personnel in Petrograd/Leningrad contributed to the accelerated development of a number of Soviet industries, such as diesel engineering, turbo and hydraulic turbine engineering, chemical processing of peat and shale, etc., made it possible to form the necessary technical base, as well as develop the human resources of scientific institutions and enterprises of the city.