technology transfer in cyprus by marcia trillidou

Technology Transfer in CyprusTechnology Transfer in CyprusDevelopment of a National Technology Transfer Office

Marcia TrillidouScientific Officer

Unit for Innovation and EnterprisesResearch Promotion Foundation

2nd Innovation & Entrepreneurship ForumC4E UCY & PwC Nicosia, 30 November 2016

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What is Technology Transfer?

The process of transferring scientific findings from one organization to another for the purpose of further development and commercialization.

Transformation of scientific findings into real benefit for the market, the economy and the society.

22nd Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum30/11/2016


Academic Technology Transfer Activities

Evaluation of the potential for commercial exploitation of research findings

Development of the business aspect of commercial exploitation

Protection & Management of IPR (Patents, Licensing Agreements, etc.)

Promotion of technology to potentially interested parties nationally & internationally

Creation of Spin-off companies Networking with investor networks Research collaboration with industry



Benefits from Technology Transfer

Financial benefits Business creation, with national returns arising from direct and indirect economic

effects. Financial returns generated from licensing of technology and the development of

new products and services. Financial benefits to for-profit and non-profit organizations through the efficiency

improvement in the production of goods and the provision of services.

Social impact Significant contribution to the employment market (creation / preservation of

employment opportunities) Implementation / utilization of new technologies and research outcomes for a

variety of purposes: offer to the public of a wider choice of reliable goods maximisation of product efficiency and minimisation of cost for consumers overall improvement of quality of life

Infuse society with innovation culture



What is a TTO?

A Structure within or outside a University / Research Organization with the fundamental mission to support transformation of research findings into real benefit for

the market, the society and the economy.

Services provided by TTOs (in general):– Evaluation of R&D project results expected to have commercial potential– Patentability Assessment / assistance for the preparation of patent applications and other

forms of IP protection– Promotion of Technology to potential interested parties at national & international level /

Technology marketing– Establishment of national and international strategic alliances in areas important for

successful technology transfer– Negotiation and Contract Management for Licensing Agreements and Contract Research

with Industry– Support for the creation of spin-off companies– Support networking with potential investors– Support for the development of the business aspect of research exploitation – Training of academic and research staff in Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship– Support for the participation in Research funding Programs.



Source: “The TTO, a University Engine Transforming Science in Innovation”, LERU – League of European Research Universities Advice Paper, 2012)

Evolution of Academic ΤΤΟs(Impact & Visibility)

STAGE 3

STAGE 2

1980-1995 1995-2005 2005-2020 TIME

INCLUSIVE ACTIVITY

UNIVERSITY-WIDEACTIVITY

ISOLATED ISLANDSOF ACTIVITY

STAGE 1



TTOs in Europe

Age: The biggest number of older TTOs (established before 1988) are located in Germany, UK & Spain.

~60% of ΤΤΟ were established after 2000 / 46% have been through restructuring since their establishment

Most common forms of restructuring include: merging of existing departments, decentralization of activities.

39% of ΤΤΟs indicate that before their establishment there was an «embryo» structure in place providing this kind of support to academic staff (mainly advice on legal issues).

Services Provided: In some cases, services such as «patentability assessment», negotiation of industry contract research and support of start-ups are provided by the ΤΤΟs in collaboration with other offices within, and outside the University. • 83% provide «patentability assessment» and negotiations on licensing agreements• 84% negotiate contracts for collaboration with industry• 83% provide support to start-ups

Objectives: Main ΤΤΟ Objectives (most commonly referred, not in order of importance).– 60% to generate income for the University– 59% to develop possibilities for collaboration on research and education – 35% dissemination of scientific knowledge and technology, contribution to economic development, publicity, promotion of

entrepreneurship– Other: supporting private partners, attract and maintain academic staff, broadening opportunities for student placements

Size : 48% of TTOs employ ≤ 5 persons (FTE)

Sources: Conti, A., & Gaulé, P. (2008) «The CEMI survey of University Technology Transfer Offices in Europe» / EU Knowledge Transfer Study 2010-2012, Interim Findings 2011)



Main TTO income generated from small number of projects and few Institutions / Difficulty to ensure financial viability from own resources.

Several approaches regarding TTO organisational and business model, based on regional conditions – needs – objectives of Institutions & Governments

Evolution of TTOs / Experimentation with several TTO models and complementary support structures

Various sources of TTO funding / Public funding usually available, particularly in less developed innovation ecosystems.

TTO Regional / Sectoral centralisation or sharing or outsourcing of TTO activities, while maintaining fundamental technology transfer units within Institutions.

Usually success of TTOs is backed by integrated innovation & TT policy and complimentary public support measures / Policy & Regulatory Frameworks: Major factors in transformation of TT landscape and TTO’s structure.

Even though not a precondition, the effective operation of complementary support structures (such as business incubators, university business development units, etc) creates synergies and contributes to the optimisation of TTO results.

“It is far from clear whether universities rooted in specific cultures or situated in different economic contexts are likely to show the same patterns of

entrepreneurial activities or the same dynamics” (Rothaermel et al. 2007 “University Entrepreneurship”) .

TTOs at the International Level General Facts Conclusions


http://scheller.gatech.edu/directory/faculty/rothaermel/pubs/07ICC.pdf


Alternative TTO Structures

1. TTOs within Universities & Research Institutes

2. Central TTO Structures (supporting centrally a number of Organizations)

3. Outsourcing of Technology Transfer Services from Third Parties

4. Hybrid Structures

Which is the most appropriate structure for the case of Cyprus?



Technology Transfer Landscape in Cyprus - at a Glance (1)

10

R&D Expenditure in Cyprus(in € and as a % of GPD)

Source: Cyprus Statistical Service

Gross domestic expenditure on R&D by sector in 2014 (%GDP)

Source: Eurostat




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Major Challenges Low National R&D Investment / Recent History in Research / Limited R&D Activity in the business sector Small critical mass of researchers Low performance in relation to the production, patenting and exploitation of research results. Lack of an integrated National Research and Innovation Strategy and sustained policy commitment. Lack of important innovation support structures (i.e. Incubators, technology parks) Absence of internal institutional management policies for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues in most of the research organizations National regulatory framework for public universities – barrier to spin-off creation TTOs absent from the Cyprus R&I landscape. Limited technology transfer activities are supported at an ad hoc basis by Liaison Offices, IP Committees or Research Support departments operating within research organizations. Limited availability of Seed / Start-up Capital (VCs & BA) Small Internal Market Geographical Location (?)



Opportunities / Strengths Quality Research Outputs High Educational Level of Human Resources /

Growing academic community Newly Established & Emerging Centres of

Scientific Excellence / Strategic Collaborations with institutions abroad

New Programming Period for R&I 2016-2020 Mobilisation of private high-risk capital (i.e.

CyBAN / Financial Institutions) Cultural shift in young generation to engage in

entrepreneurial activity / Increasing private initiative to support start-up community

Gradual shift in policy making towards support of entrepreneurship

Stabilising national financial conditions Emerging regional strategic collaborations Regulatory framework attractive for foreign

investment


Citations per DocumentSource: SCImago Journal & Country Rank – Country Rankings,

2012 & Eurostat R&D Personnel at National Level 2014



1. Analysis of the national Ecosystem with regards to Technology Transfer

2. Study of TTO and Technology Transfer support structures at international level (Europe, US, Selected Countries – UK, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, USA, Malta, Israel, Australia, India, Japan, China)

3. Exploring of alternative models of TTOs for the case of Cyprus

4. Proposal for the development of a central National TTO to support Academic Technology Transfer

RPF Study 2013 included public consultation and roundtable discussion with representatives from the main research organizations in Cyprus and other stakeholders.

Development of a Technology Transfer System in Cyprus (RPF Study, 2013)

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National Technology Transfer Office (TTO), hosted by the Research Promotion Foundation, which will provide support to the academic and research institutions in Cyprus in relation to the protection and exploitation of their research findings and intellectual property.

The Central TTO will be complemented by Units within the major academic and research institutions, which will undertake basic technology transfer activities and facilitate the communication between the institutions and the Central National Technology Transfer Office.

Establishment of a central National TTO to support Academic Technology Transfer



Establishment of a central National TTO to support Academic Technology TransferBenefits & Challenges

BENEFITS Achieve critical mass of high-level technology / knowledge output Utilise economies of scale Build on synergies and avoid overlapping activities Build-up sustainable expertise and supporting tools. Customize functions based on regional conditions Benefit from cost sharing Promote networking and collaboration among research organizations. Better monitor quality of services and benefit produced.

MAJOR CHALLENGESo Coordination / Income sharing / Development of sustainable know-how

In a centralized structure it is usually important that a minor Technology Transfer unit is maintained locally in each institution to facilitate primary technology transfer activities and a structured communication between the institution and the central TTO.

2nd Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum30/11/2016 15


Establishment of a central National TTO to support Academic Technology Transfer

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Adoption of Proposal: March 2014: National Committee for Research, Technological

Development and Innovation, in the framework of its proposal for the creation of a unified and integrated national framework for RTDI.

March 2015: Adoption by the Council of Ministers, within the framework of the Action Plan for the «Smart Specialisation Strategy for Cyprus – S3CY», which refers to the funding of the development of the national TTO through ERDF Funds

December 2015: Adoption by the Council of Ministers, within the Framework of the National Policy Statement to support entrepreneurship in Cyprus.

Implementation of Proposal: RPF in collaboration with stakeholders



Preparatory Actions (1)

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Announcement of the Support Measure” to support the development of institutional IPR Policies in major academic and research institutions in Cyprus (2014)Selection of Oxford University Innovation Ltd (former ISIS Innovation) (Technology Transfer Office of Oxford University), following an international tender procedure, for the provision of consulting and coaching services to the participating organisations.Participation of nine (9) local universities and research organisations.Development of a IPR Policy Model document, relevant procedures and model agreements.Joint workshop and Individual coaching sessions to the participants for the formulation of their customised IPR policy documents (May – June 2014).Formulation of Draft Institutional Policy Documents for IPR Management for each of the participants (July 2014) – Under Formal AdoptionProgress on Formal Adoption of Institutional Policy Documents for IPR Management varies among Organisations



Preparatory Actions (2)

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Preparation of a Business Plan, regarding the development and operation of the Central National TTO, by Oxford University Innovation Ltd (March 2015).

Legal advice on issues regarding the formulation, establishment and operation of the National TTO (In progress).


TTO Objectives Activities (RPF / Units) Governance Tools – Procedures - Skills - Know-how Confidentiality Revenue Sharing Cost for Development and Operation

– Est. to 3,8 Mil. Euro for the first 5-year period

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Establishment of a central National TTO to support Academic Technology TransferBasic Principles (TTO Business Plan)


RPF Complementary Support Actions

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Support Programs / Measures announced by the Research Promotion Foundation within the RESTART 2016-2020 National Framework Program for Research, Technological Development and Innovation:

“Innovation Vouchers” Program “Industrial Property” Program “Commercial Exploitation of Research Results” Program (for academic and research organisations) (Phase I / Phase II)

“Research for Enterprises” / “Research for Start-ups” Programs“Exploring the Industrial Application of Technology / Knowhow” Program + a variety of other programs supporting collaboration between academia and industry and the transfer of technology and know-how


Future Actions / Activities

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Stakeholders Consultation on the Business Plan for the development of the Central TTO

Continuation of the legal study regarding the legal framework for the development /operation of the Central TTO

Update of National Legislation regarding the exploitation of IPR, by Public Universities, especially through the creation of Spin-Offs.


Who we are?

Research Promotion Foundation• Established in 1996 by the Republic of Cyprus.• National Agency with the mandate to promote Research, Technological

Development and Innovation• Located in 123 Strovolos Av, Nicosia, Cyprus• Staff: 49

• Independent Organization (governed by a Board of Directors)

• Main Activity Areas – Development and Administration of Research & Innovation Funding Programs.– Promotion of participation of Cypriot Organizations and Researchers to European R&I

Programs and other International Cooperation initiatives.– Support the development of R&D and innovation in enterprises, through activities

including information, advisory services and support.


Thank you!Marcia TrillidouScientific OfficerUnit for Innovation and EnterprisesResearch Promotion Foundation

Website: www.research.org.cyP.O.Box 23422, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus

Tel. 357 22 205 000, 22 205 071, Fax. + 357 22 205 001Email: [email protected]
