Austauschprozesse Conference

Attended a conference in Germany recently on the subject of technology/knowledge transfer.  It was interesting to find that a lot of the messages coming out of the conference were very similar from the range of countries that attended such as:

• Incentives play an important role with regards to Research Partnerships i.e. space negotiating models; less teaching obligations; and advertising transfer with staff positions.
• Approaching Research from an angle of market demand rather than market push is a more beneficial approach.
• Requires flexibility on behalf of the Institution.
• Language plays a major role (between the institution/college and the business).
• Social capital theory is a strong foundation for understanding and predicting collaboration outcomes and facilitates value creation.
• Mapping the processes involved in technology/knowledge transfer improves transparency giving a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities.
• Patent marketing agencies/regional networks can be extremely useful in linking universities with external partners and vice versa.
• Rackman model is an effective model for developing relationships (vision; impact; and intimacy).  Trust was mentioned on a number of occaisions which probably ties in with intimacy.
• Businesses aren’t necessarily looking for breakthrough ideas but they’re actually seeking cost-saving ideas.
• Bologna process as a driver for embedding BCE practices due to greater competitiveness across Europe resulting in reduced funding.