Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine an economic life without technology transfer. Above all in a day and age of increasing digitisation and internationalisation this exchange of knowledge and technologies can be even more complex and challenging than ever before. Nevertheless, how the exchange is managed was discussed by around 70 experts with top-class speakers at this year’s World IP Day at the Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws). The event was organised this year by aws on behalf of the National Contact Point for Knowledge Transfer and Intellectual Property (NCP-IP).
“The ideal exchange of knowledge is essential to being successful among global competition”, emphasised both managing directors of aws, Edeltraud Stiftinger and Bernhard Sagmeister. The fact that this exchange is taking place in quality lies in the successful work of the national contact point for knowledge transfer and intellectual property (NCP-IP), alongside the commitment of the enterprises and research facilities. “In previous years, the national contact point has largely contributed to the professionalisation of knowledge and technology transfer. This is reflected in the economical success of the enterprises that we support with NCP-IP and accompany with the aws funding programme”, the aws management say with joy.
With the objective to support, coordinate and professionalise knowledge transfer at a national level, the Austrian federal government set up the NCP-IP in 2010. The national contact point is operated on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research of Austria (BMBWF), the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) and the Federal Ministry of Traffic, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT). The operative implementation is performed by aws and FFG. In doing so, the current areas of focus include: the development of an online toolbox for fair Open Innovation processes, the provision of free and standardised sample contracts for technology transfer (download from: www.ipag.at), events for the transfer of current developments and the creation on strong networks within the Austrian innovation system.
Top-class keynotes for all facets of technology transfer
The keynote was held by Markus Karner, CEO of Global TCAD Solution. He spoke of his experience from the point of view of an SME, which has developed from a small spin-off to a pioneer with 100 % export quota.
In the subsequent specialist lectures, Sabine Fehringer, partner at the solicitor’s office DLA Piper, explained the contract design in international technology transfer. Alfred Radauer from the consultation firm Technopolis Group looked at the challenges in protecting innovation in the international transfer of technology.
Later in the afternoon, the three speakers and the audience discussed the effects of internationalisation and digitisation on the transfer of technology and looked at the possible future scenarios.
The event was rounded off with a presentation of the new aws funding programme of knowledge transfer centres. The financing programme for cross-regional collaborative projects between from universities and higher education institutions follows the objective of further development of the knowledge and technology transfer. Alongside the further development of existing, successful collaborative project, a particular focus is placed on innovative interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborative projects with humanities, social and cultural sciences (GSK) and exploring and developing the arts (EEK). Another focus is increasing interest in the MINT disciplines. Submissions by 28 May 2019. More information can be found at: https://www.aws.at/foerderungen/wissenstransferzentren/
Austria with good marks in knowledge and technology transfer
The active transfer of research knowledge in the economy, above all in light of increasing internationalisation and digitisation, is central to growth and international competitiveness, and this is going very well in Austria. In the “ERA Progress Report 2018” of the European Commission, Austria acquired excellent marks in their cooperation between science and economics. The cooperation rate between enterprises on the one hand, and universities, higher education institutions and research facilities on the other hand, sits at 25 %, which is clearly higher than the EU-28-average of 15 %.
About Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws)
The Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) is the promotional bank of the federal government. As a specialist bank in public property, it is oriented to company financing with a focus on “start-ups” and “growth and industry”. With the awarding of lower interest rate credit, guarantees, grants and equity capital, it supports enterprises in the implementation of their innovative projects. aws also provides advice and support for the protection and use of intellectual property. Additionally, specific information, consultation, service provisions are offered for prospective, existing and expanding enterprises.
More information on NCP-IP: www.ncp-ip.at
Standardised sample contracts available to download: www.ipag.at
Enquiries & contact:
Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH
Enterprise communication
Wolfgang Drucker
Tel. +43 1 501 75-331
Email w.drucker@aws.at
www.aws.at