research and commercialisation challenges
DESCRIPTION
This is my second talk at FKEE, UTHM during my Adjunct Prof. visit on Aug. 29, 2013TRANSCRIPT
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Research & Commercialization Challenges
Dr. Mazlan Abbas
Research Challenges
+Research “Misunderstanding”
! How Long Does It Take?
! What’s the Difference Between Masters and PhD?
! Why Problem Definition Takes A Long Time?
! How Do We Manage Researchers?
! Why “Research” Approach is Different From “Development”?
! What are the characteristics of a Good Researcher?
+Scientific Definition of “Research”
! The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question.
! Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental process.
! Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science.
! Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing literature reviews of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered.
! Any type of ‘real’ research, whether scientific, economic or historical, requires some kind of interpretation and an opinion from the researcher. This opinion is the underlying principle, or question, that establishes the nature and type of experiment.
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Basic research also known as fundamental or pure research is driven by a scientist’s curiosity or interest in a question. The main motivation of this type of research is:- • To expand man’s knowledge of the world and not to invent or
create something new. • There is no obvious commercial value in research of this type. Basic science research includes answers to such questions as: • How did the universe begin? • How has man evolved over time? • How does genetic code determine who we are? • What is the specific genetic code of an earth worm? • What are protons, neutrons and electrons made of?
What is BASIC Research?
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Applied research is designed to the practical problems that exist in the modern world, rather than to just acquire knowledge for knowledge’s sake. One main goal of applied science is to improve human conditions and make the world a better place.
Applied science may investigate ways to: • improve agricultural crop production • get better network throughput • find alternative routing solutions • treat or cure a specific disease • improve the energy efficiency of homes
What is APPLIED Research?
Activity Detail Tasks Timeframe Establish Context
Literature Review Problem Definition Scope of Research
3-6 months (MSc-PhD)
Select & Design Methods
Mathematical Modeling Simulation Experimental
3-6 months
Undertake Research
New mathematical theory New programming language New simulation tool Acquisition and trials test-bed
3-6 months
Analysis & Validation
Testing of Model 6-12 months
Create Output IP Thesis Technical report
3-6 months
Review & Evaluate
Publication Conference VIVA
< 3 months
Note: On average = Masters (2 years to complete) and PhD (3-6 years to complete)
How To Choose a Good Scientific Problem?
[Excerpts from the Article “How To Choose a Good Scientific Problem” by Uri Alon]
Choosing good problems is essential for being a good researcher.
But what is a good problem, and how do
you choose one?
+The Feasibility-Interest Diagram for Choosing a Project
+The Feasibility-Interest Diagram for Choosing a Project
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• A common mistake made in choosing problems is taking the first problem that comes to mind.
• Since a typical project takes years even it if seems doable in months, rapid choice leads to much frustration and bitterness in our profession.
• It takes time to find a good problem, and every week spent in choosing one can save months or years later on.
In my lab, we have a rule for new students and postdocs: Do not commit to a problem before 3 months have elapsed. In these 3 months the new student or postdoc reads, discusses, and plans. The state of mind is focused on being rather than doing. The temptation to start working arises, but a rule is a rule. After 3 months (or more), a celebration marks the beginning of the research phase—with a well-planned project. Taking time is not always easy. One must be supported to resist the urge: ‘‘Oh, we must produce—let’s not waste time, and start working.’’
Take Your Time
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• Who decides how to rank the interest of problems? One of the fundamental aspects of science is that the interest of a problem is subjective and personal.
• The inner voice can be strengthened and guided if one is lucky enough to have caring mentors.
• A scientist often needs a supportive environment to begin to listen to this voice.
The Subjectivity of the Interest Axis
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Good test: One way to help listening to the inner voice is to ask: ‘‘If I was the only person on earth, which of these problems would I work on?’’ An honest answer can help minimize compromises. Another good sign of the inner voice are ideas and questions that come back again and again to your mind for months or years. Another good test: When asked to describe our research to an acquaintance, how does it feel to describe each project? In science, the more you interest yourself, the larger the probability that you will interest your audience.
The Subjectivity of the Interest Axis
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The mentors’ task is to support students through the cloud that seems to guard the entry into the unknown. And, with this schema, we have more space to see that problem C exists and may be more worthwhile than continuing to plod toward B.
“Sailing into the unknown again and again takes courage”
The Objective and Nurturing Schemas of Research
+IP Landscape Using Thomson Innovation Tool
Research Approaches
(1) Mathematical Modeling
(2) Simulation
(3) Experimental
Mathematical Modeling Fast, easily define upper and lower bound Complex mathematics, need programming
Network Model
Traffic Model
Packet Scheduling Model Algorithm Performance Results
Simulation Scalable, Flexible Assumptions must be accurate Time consuming Either self-programming or using simulation tool Expensive (?)
Experimental Accurate, real results Time consuming, expensive, not scalable
Architecture / Systems / Methods
Intellectual Properties (IPs)
Masters or PhD
Is it Worth A
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Degree
Masters
PhD
Support testbed setup Simple experiment and Data Collection Some simple application programming
Support experimental work (advanced) Simulation to proof the concept/ideas
Mathematical modeling Develop Simulation model Co-generate and test new ideas
Why Do We Need Degree, Masters and PhD Interns?
How Do We Manage Researchers?
+Researchers Expectations
• Breathing space • Need time to think to be creative.
• Always “Fresh” in new research area • Knowledge always starts anew in every project.
• Killing Knowledge • We can kill a Product or Project but be careful in killing
a “Research” since it will “wipe out” knowledge.
• Quest for Knowledge • Never ending journey to the Frontiers of Knowledge
• Finding new challenges
• Recognition in their area of expertise
Light At the End of The Tunnel
“Research” Working with the “Unknown” “Development” Working with “Known”
PhD is not all about the novelty achieved but it’s the Systematic Process of Doing Research that’s the utmost important.
Researchers’ Challenges (But who appreciates people working with the Unknown?)
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Viewing Angle Application Layer
Physical Layer
Data Link Layer
Presentation Layer
Network Layer
Transport Layer
Session Layer
Valley of Appreciation
How Deep to Explore? “Breadth” or “Depth” of Research
To Go Deeper … You Need a Platform
Explorer’s Risk
Cave Explorer
Do We Reward the “Cave Explorer”?
Unstoppable Effort
Taking High Risks
Venture in to Unknown
Commercialization Challenges
+What is Innovation?
Unlike invention, which usually requires a flash of inspiration, innovation is a process of coordinated activities that, when linked with identified opportunities, generates new value for the organization and
the customer.
+Global Innovation Index - Ranking
Country 2008-2009 Rank
USA 5.28 1
Germany 4.99 2
UK 4.84 3
Sweden 4.82 4
Singapore 4.81 5
South Korea 4.73 6
Switzerland 4.73 7
Denmark 4.69 8
Japan 4.65 9
Netherlands 4.64 10
Canada 4.63 11
Hong Kong 4.59 12
Finland 4.57 13
… … …
Malaysia 4.06 25
Country 2009-2010 Rank
Iceland 4.86 1
Sweden 4.85 2
Hong Kong 4.83 3
Switzerland 4.82 4
Denmark 4.72 5
Finland 4.66 6
Singapore 4.65 7
Netherlands 4.62 8
New Zealand 4.60 9
Norway 4.59 10
USA 4.57 11
Canada 4.55 12
Japan 4.50 13
… … …
Malaysia 3.77 28
+Human Capacity - Researchers
+Importance of ICT
Communications -> Information -> Knowledge -> Power
INNOVATION IDEAS
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
MARKETING SOLUTIONS
+Sustaining the Innovation
+
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
2008
2009
2010
PCT/WIPO Ranking
MIMOS Other Malaysian Applicants
51%
41% 59%
91%
3,254th(
33rd(
38th(
218(Patents(
205(Patents(
30th(
WIPO-World Intellectual Property Organisation PCT - Patent Cooperation Treaty
302(Patents(
(186th(!
28th(49%
Helping to Position Malaysia Patent Ranking at the Global Level
+Driving National Priorities
• Economic Growth • Competitiveness • Productivity • High-income Jobs • Better Quality-of-Life
Creating the Global Malaysia Incorporated
Innova&on'Driven'Economy''To(Support(The(New(Economic(Model(
+
Time
Revenue growth
Lead Users, Innovators
Early Adopters, Visionaires
Early Majority, Pragmatists
Late Majority, Conservatives
Laggards, Sceptics
LU EA EM LM La
Crack 1 The Chasm Crack 2
Crack 3
Participants in the Technology Adoption Life Cycle
Communications Breakdown
+Broadband Eco-System
R&D
Product House
Manufacturer
Telco
Content Provider
Content Aggregator
System Integrator
Reseller & Distributor
Applications Developer
Users
App Stores
Regulator
Innovation “Think Different”
iPod
iPhone
iPad
Macbook Air
Apple TV
iTunes
Loyalty
Mobile Internet
Closing The Gap
Mobile Computing
Entertainment
The “Cloud”
+Past Achievements - WiWi Gen 1.5
Launched August 2009 1st Hybrid WiFi/WiMAX at 2.3 GHz
Indoor Model Supports 802.11 b/g
WiMAX 802.16e IPv6 and Multicast support
Plug-and-Play
+ IPv6-enabled Devices (MIMOS Products)
MIMOS WiWI Gen 1.5
MIMOS WiWI Gen 1.8a MIMOS WiWI Gen 1.8b
Jen-ii iDOLA
Past Achievements Achievements
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
WiWi Indoor CPE
Q1’10 -WiWi Outdoor CPE
Q3’10 -WiWi Enterprise CPE
Q4’10 -WiMAX Pico Base Station
• WiWi Indoor CPE (Gen 1.5)
• WiMAX Wave 2 Digital Signal Processing (DSP) platform
• WiMAX Direct Mobile Operation (DMO)
• 802.16j WiMAX Mesh Network Algorithm completed
• WiMAX Wave 1
• WiMAX Wave 1(DSP Board)
Technology Recipients: • CEEDTec • PERNEC Integrated Network Systems
+
2012 MIMOS Berhad. All Rights Reserved.
LED
+Bridging the Digital Divide
2012 MIMOS Berhad. All Rights Reserved.
Users
Access Point
Relay
HOT SPOT (50-200m)
HOT ZONE (500m-1km)
Relay Hot Spot
DR-Mesh
METRO NET (5-10km)
Mesh
Mesh
Mesh Mesh
Mesh Mesh
PAN Gateway (0-50m)
HOT ZONE
49
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Municipal WiFi@Melaka
MCMC Kampung WiFi@ N. Sembilan
Wifi@GloriaJean’s Coffee
River Thames
Pekan Kota
Teriang Kampung
Puom
Kampung Kerangai
MIMOS Wireless Deployments
2012 MIMOS Berhad. All Rights Reserved.
DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIALISATION TECHNOLOGY CREATION RESEARCH MARKET
MIMOS Research & Development and Technology Transfer
Universities
Research
Institute
Technoprenuers
K-Industries
Partners
Venture Capital
Business Matching
Market Research Market Research
Taking the Industry Global
+ MIMOS’ Role in Industry & Market Creation
52
Basic Research
Applied Research
Product Company
System Integrator
Service Provider
Market Creation
Commercial Risk
Technology risk
Ris
k m
agni
tud
e
Critical Competency lacking
MIMOS’ Charter: • IP Creation • Prototype Development • Technology Transfer
Commercialization Path: • Productisation
• Business Planning • Product Lifecycle
• Manufacturing • Regulatory Approval • Branding & Distribution Channel
Inflection Point for Commercialization
Industry Gap
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Product Company
Reseller/Service Provider
Global/Export Revenue
Domestic Revenue
System Integrator
A(Minimal(revenue;(minimal(impact(on(economic(needle(A (Require(substanGal(handholding(A (No(financial(stamina(to(go(global(!
Issue #1: Local Product Companies Are Small
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Basic Research
Applied Research
Design & Product Company
System Integrator
Service Provider Market
Business''Competency'
Technology''Competency'
Compe
tency/(Skill(
© 2010 MIMOS Berhad. All Rights Reserved.!
CriGcal(Competency(Box(
Small Companies Competency
+ Issue #2: Large Domestic Companies Are Not Product Companies
Domestic Revenue
Product Company
Reseller/Service Provider
Global/Export Revenue
System Integrator
- Not keen to invest in R&D - Risk averse in new technology - Difficulty in justifying new venture to the Board
Missing
+Large(Companies(Competencies(
Business Competency
Technology Competency
Com
pet
ency
Critical Competency
Box
Basic Research
Applied Research
Design & Product Company
System Integrator
Service Provider Market
+ Issue #3: Difficult for Small Local Product Companies to Engage MNCs
• MNC reluctant to work with non reputable local product companies
• Sustainability • Capability • Branding
• Local product companies has problem to meet the stringent requirement of MNC
• CMMI • ISO • IP protection
+Moving Forward - Do Different
Basic Research
(Universities)
Applied Research
Product Company
(Industry)
System Integrator
(Industry)
Service Provider (Industry)
Market
DEVELOP
• Center of Excellence • Global IP Protection • Technology Transfer
NURTURE
WORLD CLASS PRODUCT • Product development • Product Lifecycle Mgt • Manufacturing/Production
Strategies • Regulatory Approval
TECH VENTURE & INCUBATION
TECH TRANSFER
• Domain expertise training
GO-TO-MARKET • Market Proof of Concept/Pilot • Leverage Government/GLC
procurement process/projects
DRIVE SUPPLY
DRIVE DEMAND
GO GLOBAL • Channel development • Business Matching with
MNC and market
One More Thing
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Development (D)
Stage Activities ~ %
S E
R 100 0
AR 80 20
AT 50 50
PD 10 90
M 0 100
Ris
k in
crea
ses
R – Research AR – Applied Research AT – Advanced Technology
PD - Product Development M - Maintenance
Research to Development Value Chain
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