Technology Transfer in Networks - Basic Aspects -

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1 4 th SEPneT-Workshop Enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs in the Global Economy Technology Transfer in Networks - Basic Aspects - Prof. Dr. Juergen Schwill University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg Dar Es Salaam, March 14, Contents Importance of technology transfer for SMEs Network dimensions Advantages and impediments of network relationships Technology road strategies and principles for an effective technology transfer The role of universities in technology transfer Technology transfer - what we are doing Conclusion 2

Juergen Schwill University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg Dar Es Salaam, March 14, 2006 1 Contents Importance of technology transfer

2 That s fact! There is consensus in business research, that SMEs will be able to survive in dynamic markets, if they can add their own technological competencies with external knowledge; the competitiveness of SMEs will be increased, if technological knowledge from outside is used for company innovations. Source: See Beise, M.; Licht, G.; Spielkamp, A.: Technologietransfer an kleine und mittlere Unternehmen (technology transfer to SMEs), Baden-Baden 1995, p Decision problem? Is there any alternative for SMEs? Cooperate or die!" 4

competencies with external knowledge; the competitiveness of SMEs will be increased, if technological knowledge from outside is used

3 Cooperation is better! Let s set up networks for technology transfer! 5 Network dimensions There are various dimensions in networking 6

4 Horizontal network Networks with other companies Range of cooperation intensity: From informational exchange to joint implementation of innovation projects, pilot applications or market introduction 7 Vertical network Networks with suppliers and customers Put the customer first : Involvement of customers gets impulses for innovations (f.e. customer surveys; focus groups) 8

market introduction 7 Vertical network Networks with suppliers and customers Put the customer

5 Lateral network Networks with universities or institutions f.e. for insourcing external technological knowledge 9 Network dimensions Using (complex) networks for technology transfer can bring benefits for each members/partners (win-win-situation)! 10

dimensions Using (complex) networks for technology transfer

6 Some advantages of network relationships Acquisition of complementary resources Pooling of R&D resources for a specific innovation Joint use of inputs or of input markets (knowledge spillovers ) Opportunity of sharing costs and risks Higher productivity and quality of output Relatively fast diffusion of information and innovation within networks (accelerate time to market -effect) Source: See Fritsch, M.: Innovation by Networking: An Economic Perspective, in: Koschatzky, K.; Kulicke, M.; Zenker, A. (eds.): Innovation Networks. Concepts and Challenges in the European Perspective, Heidelberg 2001, p Some impediments of network relationships Opportunistic behaviour of network members Transfer of information Uncontrolled knowledge flows Mistrust Source: See Fritsch, M.: Innovation by Networking: An Economic Perspective, in: Koschatzky, K.; Kulicke, M.; Zenker, A. (eds.): Innovation Networks. Concepts and Challenges in the European Perspective, Heidelberg 2001, p

See Fritsch, M.: Innovation by Networking: An Economic Perspective, in: Koschatzky, K.; Kulicke, M.; Zenker, A. (eds.): Innovation Networks.

7 Technology road on the way to success Success Principles Strategy 13 Definition of the strategy (I): Push, pull or both Technology-push strategy Market-pull strategy Integrated strategy ( coupling model of innovation ) The idea for the new product or the new service comes from the company The idea / initiative for the new product or the new service comes from the customer Including both technology-push and market-pull C + C 14

innovation ) The idea for the new product or the new service comes from the company The idea / initiative

8 Definition of the strategy (II): SME-segments of technology transfer orientation TT oriented SMEs TT interested SMEs TT not interested SMEs Permanent contact with academics/universities Using complex forms of technological cooperation Active searching for partners Realizing projects with academics/researchers See high importance of universities for their innovations Reserved in offering R&D-assignments Are afraid of know-how-loss Believing to be successful without external support See low importance of researches for innovations Are not informed about technology transfer offerings Not-Innovators Source: See Beise, M.; Licht, G.; Spielkamp, A.: Technologietransfer an kleine und mittlere Unternehmen (technology transfer to SMEs), Baden-Baden 1995, p Company success depends on technology transfer orientation TT oriented SMEs Champion high TT interested SMEs TT not interested SMEs Not-Innovators Winner Free rider Loser low Success 16

R&D-assignments Are afraid of know-how-loss Believing to be successful without external support See low importance of researches for innovations Are not informed about technology transfer offerings

9 Principles for an effective technology transfer (I) Complexity of technology transfer offerings Technology transfer offices of universities, research institutes, public consultancies etc. give SMEs a lot of possibilities for cooperations Permanent communication between network members (f.e. universities and SMEs) Technology transfer itself is a communication process or a result of one without communication there`s no transfer SMEs must learn, to get knowledge from external sources Universities must intensify their marketing activities to promote technology transfer 17 Principles for an effective technology transfer (II) Good human relations Technology transfer will promoted by people and will carry out as human relations The transfer success often depends on the quality of human relations Flexible organizations Formal regulations are obstructive; flexible organizations support the success of the technology transfer 18

without communication there`s no transfer SMEs must learn, to get knowledge from external sources Universities must intensify their marketing activities to promote technology transfer 17 Principles

10 Principles for an effective technology transfer (III) Incentives for scientists Widening of technology transfer by academics/researchers needs incentives, f.e. more flexibility in managing external fund budgets time off when working on industry projects technology transfer activities will credit for teaching loads (less teaching hours) financial incentives for job on the side Source: See Beise, M.; Licht, G.; Spielkamp, A.: Technologietransfer an kleine und mittlere Unternehmen (technology transfer to SMEs), Baden-Baden 1995, p The role of universities in technology transfer Non-profit incubator Education Student projects Dissertations Publications For-profit incubator Consulting Projects Research assignments 20

fective technology transfer (III) Incentives for scientists Widening of technology transfer by academics/researchers needs incentives, f.e. more flexibility in managing external fund

11 The role of universities in technology transfer The artificial nurturing of a chicken egg in order to hatch them faster in a sheltered environment. * * Source: Becker, B.; Gassmann, O.: Corporate incubators: Industrial R&D and what universities can learn form them, forthcoming: Journal of Technology Transfer, p. 4 Non-profit incubator For-profit incubator Education Student projects Dissertations Publications Consulting Projects Research assignments 21 Technology transfer - What we are doing Technology transfer between economy and the University of Applied Sciences in Brandenburg 22

: Corporate incubators: Industrial R&D and what universities can learn form them, forthcoming: Journal of Technology Transfer, p.

12 Technology transfer TICO Technology and Innovation Consulting Office Support and exchange of the technology transfer between university and companies/organizations 23 Technology transfer 24

13 Technology cooperation Management consultancy Research assignment Joint R&D-projects 25 Technology / knowledge transfer by staff exchange? Student projects Practical/industrial training Employment of academics for a limited period Delegation of employees for a fixed period 26

14 Technology transfer by spin-offs F.e. setting up companies by Alumni 27 Conclusion SMEs should use networks and drive on technology road and they will have success! 28

INNOVATION SUPPORT between TECHNOLOGY PUSH and MARKET PULL

INNOVATION SUPPORT between TECHNOLOGY PUSH and MARKET PULL IX International Symposium IP in Innovative Economy Cracow, Sept. 5th, 2013 TUM-Tech GmbH The Transfer Company Contact:, Goethestr. 43, D-80336