The challenge of effective Knowledge Transfer in Europe

Petr Holec, Brno University of Technology

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Goal of the presentation

To explain how the science can bring dynamics to the economic development

To present contemporary views on the different routes of the knowledge commercialisation

To present outputs of two European projects which can support this process

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Basic Paradigma Of Economic Development Based on Science

money knowledge

research

innovation

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Government, Parliament, budgetGrant agency

FR

RESEARCH

Universities

Academy of Sci

Other Res.I.

grantsAR

MARKET

taxes

requirements, products

COMPANIES

SMEsBig

ones

(R&D)

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Loans, equity

Requirements, solutions

SUPPORT INSTITUTIONS patenting, legal svc, licensing

PUBLICITY, ENLIGHTMENT

BIF

PF

VF

SF

BA

Knowledge Transfer

TT agencies

Technology parks

BICs

Spin-outsKnow

ledg

e Tr

ansf

er

Offi

ces

Res.contracts

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Triple Helix

Participants in the process:GovernmentScientific CommunityEntrepreneurial Community

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Role of Government

To create stable environnment Legal frame Innovation policy (incl. funding) Scientific policy Education policy

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Role of Sci Community To utilise the funding of science in

creative way To educate and bring up new scientists

NEW ! To take over co-responsibility for the

dissemination and utilisation of the created knowledge

To communicate with industry its needs

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Role of Entrepreneurial Community

To create a long term vision of each ones company, inclusive innovation strategy

To keep the communication with the scientific community, bringing them the knowledge of market needs

To respect the specifics of research (no garranty of the proper solution)

To bring additional funding for the solution of particular propblems

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Conference, Febr 04, Brussels

„Effective Collaborative R&D and Knowledge Transfer“

Partners: EIRMA

EUA

EARTO

ProTon Europe

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Public FundingEducation programs

Donations

InfrastructureScientists

RESEARCHDiscoveries

PUBLICATION

RESEARCH

INNOVATION

DEVELOPMENT

Open Science Model

Innovation Model

UNIVERSITY

INDUSTRYThe Old Model of Classic Science

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Public FundingEducation programs

DonationsIndustry

Sponsoring

InfrastructureScientists

RESEARCHDiscoveries

INVENTIONS

PROTECTIONIntellectual property

PUBLICATION

PROOF OF PRINCIPLE SCIENCEINCUBATORS

SPIN-OFFS &CAMPUS COMPANIES

SEEDCAPITAL

RESEARCH

INNOVATION

DEVELOPMENT

LicencesRoyalties

New Companies

OwnershipOpen Science Model

Innovation Model

UNIVERSITY

INDUSTRYThe US Innovation Model

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Public FundingEducation programs

DonationsIndustry

Sponsoring

InfrastructureScientists

RESEARCHDiscoveries

INVENTIONS

PROTECTIONIntellectual property

PUBLICATION

PROOF OF PRINCIPLECOLLABORATIVERESEARCH with

INDUSTRY

SCIENCEINCUBATORS

SPIN-OFFS &CAMPUS COMPANIES

SEEDCAPITAL

Public FundingEconomic Programs

EC FP

RESEARCH

INNOVATION

DEVELOPMENT

New ProductsNew Services

LicencesRoyalties

New Companies

OwnershipOpen Science Model

Innovation Model

UNIVERSITY

INDUSTRYThe Innovation Model (European)

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Consolidation: the « Innovation » Model PROs can contribute effectively to innovation only by

the combination of the 3 models: IP management & licensing as common core Interaction with industry for medium term development of

the economy Creation of new companies for long term rejuvenation of

the economy. Innovation is not a linear process. It is the « conversion

of new knowledge into economic and social benefits – now acknowledged to take place as the result of complex long-term interactions between many players » (Source: Cordis glossary of innovation)

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What is at stake? The recognition and sustainability of the

research mission of PROs Retaining and motivating good scientists Justify sufficient funding of Research

The rejuvenating of European economy with new technology based SMEs

The competitive position of our industry partners and the maintenance of a strong R&D activity in Europe.

The success of the European Research Area (conclusion reached by EURAB)

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The Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO or TO) May take many different forms: university

department, separate limited liability company Mission: increase the chances that PRO

discoveries be turned into useful products and services so the the public shall benefit.

Very difficult function. Requires: Competence (science, IP management, business

development, law, etc.) Talents (negotiation, psychology, etc.) Experience (academic and business)

Poorly funded, staffed and recognized. Perceived as cost center by PROs, obstacle by

Industry

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Two EC projects supporting KTOs

ProTon Europe

Aim: to increase the quality of the Science – Industry interface by training of KTO staff,

to establish the new profession of Knowledge Transfer Managers (KTM)

Global Start

Aim: to prepare the set of tools (verified standard procedures) for KTM which would make their work easier and more efficient

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The ProTon Europe Project(Public research organisations Technology offices network-Europe)

Thematic network funded by the EC as part of the Gate2Growth initiative to promote innovation

Core team of 12 experienced Technology Offices from reputable universities + TII and EARMA

Coordinator: SOPARTEC (UCL), Dr Giles Capard 53 project members (TOs) from 15 different

European countries All TOs affiliated to European research universities

and other public research organisations (PROs) can register as members

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Terms of Reference Establish a professional association of KTOs

that is representative at European level Contribute to establish high standards of

conduct and to raise the profile of KTOs Boost knowledge transfer by:

Professional Development Dissemination of Good Practices & Tools Staff Exchanges Networking

Minimum 250 PROs from 25 European countries

Self sustainable in 4 years

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Contrasting PROTON with AUTMAUTM

Actual 2000PROTONTarget 2007

Year started 1975 2003# of countries 2 (US + CA) >30# of languages 1 >20# legal frameworks 2

Bayh Dole in USA

>30Few countries have Bayh-Dole-like laws

Scope Mainly licensing

Licensing + interaction+spin-out

# members PROs(1)

# individuals from PROS# individuals other

1901,5001,500

>250Conditions to be

definedPolitical strength Yes To be earned

(1) Reponding to AUTM surveys

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Positioning of ProTon Europe There are no best practices applicable to all Europe, but

a collection of good practices adapted to each national environment.

Federating existing national networks and others to be formed

Collaboration with specialized europeans networks providing significant services to TOs

Emphasis is not on developing new content but on making available existing content and good practices from many sources

The model of ProTon Europe is that of a cellular living association, fed by all available good practices and experience.

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Status of development Current needs and available practices have been surveyed 125 KTOs from PROs have signed as Full Members Positioning supported by all national TO associations

contacted so far, representing more than 600 PROs Several European associations have agreed in principle to

partner First annual conference held November 19-21, 2003,

Second annual conference will be in Dublin, Nov 21 Charter has been approved by the first general assembly

of November 21, 2003 A standardised system of training with EC atestation is

planned to be introduced through national training bodies

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Global Start Co-ordinator: Pieter van dar Sijde,

Twente University, Enschede, NL Focus on spin-out (incubation) process,

quality management handbook Experience: spin-out process with

gradual growth, projects: TOP, EMBRYO, dissemination: SPIN-OUT

Global Start: incubation processes of the spin-out with globally distributed resources and/or customers

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Project web sites

http://www.protoneurope.org

http://www.globalstartups.org

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Conclusions Soon Bulgaria will join EU Need to think in European dimension Challenge!! New opportunities for the prepared ones

BE PREPARED FOR THIS CHALLENGE!!

Thanks for your attention