UNIT-3

Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is the movement of data, designs, inventions, materials, software, technical
knowledge or trade secrets from one organisation to another or from one purpose to another. The
technology transfer process is guided by the policies, procedures and values of each organisation
involved in the process.

Also known as transfer of technology (ToT), technology transfer can take place between
universities, businesses and governments, either formally or informally, to share skills, knowledge,
technologies, manufacturing methods, and more. This form of knowledge transfer helps ensure
that scientific and technological developments are available to a wider range of users who can then
help develop or exploit it. This transfer can occur horizontally across different areas or vertically
by moving technologies, for example, from research centres to research and development teams.

An important part of tech transfer is the protection of intellectual property (IP) associated with
innovations developed at research institutions. This can mean licensing patented intellectual
property to outside businesses or the creation of start-up companies to license the IP.

Types of Technology Transfer

• Edwin Mansfield in Technology Transfer, Productivity, and Economic Policy (1986) classified
technology transfer into:

• vertical and,
• horizontal technology transfer.

• Vertical technology transfer occurs when information is transmitted from basic research to
applied research, from applied research to development, and from development to production.

• Such transfers occur in both directions, and the form of the information changes as it moves along
this dimension.

• Horizontal transfer of technology occurs when the technology used in one place, organisation, or
context is transferred and used in another place, organisation, or context.

• Technology transfer may include “material transfer, design transfer, and capacity transfer.”

• Material transfer refers to the transfer of a new material or product while design transfer
corresponds to the transfer of designs and blueprints that can facilitate the manufacturing of the
material or product by the transferee. Capacity transfer involves the transfer of know why and
know-how to adapt, and modify the material or product to suit various requirements.

Why is Technology Transfer Important?

Technology transfer is an important part of the technological innovation process, promoting
scientific and technological research and the associated skills and procedures to wider society and
the marketplace.

Tech transfer allows research to develop from the discovery of novel technologies along the value
chain to disclosure, evaluation and the protection of these breakthroughs. From here, marketing,
licensing and further development of products allow the research to become an impactful product,
process or service for society. In addition, the financial returns afforded by a successful product
can be reinvested into further research to begin the cycle again.

As a result, technology transfer creates revenues for universities to use for faculty recruitment,
funding and more research. Companies are able to tap into the advances brought about by this
academic research without having to spend on internal R&D to create new products to drive
business forward.

The advantages of successful technology transfer can be felt through national and regional
economies via growth through innovation, new ventures and stronger industry to boost
employment.

Finally, there are benefits for society as a whole, whether that is saving lives, better health, a
cleaner environment, and technical advances to deliver new capabilities, products and services.

What are the Three Phases of Technology Transfer?

Technology transfer activities can be broadly split into three phases; preparation, installation and
utilisation. These three phases are, in turn, affected by technological, organisational and
environmental factors.

However, some people point to six steps in the technology transfer process, these are:

• Invention disclosure
• Evaluation
• Patent application
• Assessment and marketing
• Patent licensing
• Commercialisation

These steps take an innovation forward to a commercial product via market evaluation, intellectual
property protection and licensing, as well as promotion and commercialisation for the marketplace.

Examples

Examples of technology transfer can be found across virtually every scientific and industrial area,
from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to alternative energy solutions, computing, transport,
artificial intelligence, robotics, agriculture, aerospace, environmental improvements and many
more.
Many of the products and technological advances we take for granted in our everyday lives came
from university or institute research before being transferred to the marketplace through
technology transfer procedures.

Problems of Technology Transfer:

• Lack of uptake by industry, despite many encouraging initiatives by Government

• SMEs ability to adopt and use latest technologies limited – lack of skilled and trained
personnel
• Disconnect between industry and Academia / R&D institutes – Poor collaborative research
efforts
• High Technological obsolescence
• Rigid stance
• Inadequate Technology infrastructure
• Lacks capability to develop competitive technologies
• Lack of incentive to update existing technologies
• High cost of Technology
• High cost of Money

Process of Technology Transfer:

Innovtion/Invention

Observations and experiments during research activities often lead to inventions. It's important to
keep good, reliable laboratory records of your research activities for several reasons. Remember,
to contact the Technology Transfer Office before you send or receive any research materials
outside the University.

Before sharing the results of any research, or publishing it's important to ask the Technology
Transfer Office whether the document or disclosure contains any innovation or discovery that
could be patented.

INVENTION DISCLOSURE

The inventor(s) will complete and submit an Invention Disclosure Form to the Technology
Transfer Office. Our Patent Technology Associate is available to assist with the completion of the
form. This written disclosure begins the formal technology transfer process. An invention
disclosure remains a confidential document, and should fully describe your invention so that the
options for commercialization can be evaluated and pursued.

EVALUATION:

Invention Disclosure Forms received by the Technology Transfer Office are logged and evaluated.
The inventor(s) are required to present a fifteen-minute presentation to a patent committee. Please
note that the University’s Patent Technology Associate and Licensing Associates are available to
assist with the preparation and review of the presentation prior to the patent committee meeting.

The technology is evaluated with the input of the inventor(s). Any necessary patent searches are
conducted and market research is conducted to confirm the invention’s commercialization
potential. The evaluation process will guide the strategy on whether to focus on licensing to an
existing company or to help the inventor(s) create a new start-up business.

PROTECTION

Based on the assessment, the University will determine if it will file for patent protection on the
invention. Patent protection is not sought for all invention disclosures received due to the high cost
of filing ($6,000 - $10,000). The filing and prosecution of patent applications are done by outside
patent attorneys. The patent attorney will be familiar with the field of the invention, but is unlikely
to be an expert.

Therefore, it's essential that the inventor(s) cooperate in the timely review and preparation of the
patent application. The inventor(s) should provide the attorney with any details that make the
invention novel, useful, and non-obvious and any other information that may be required by the
attorney, to obtain meaningful patent protection.
MARKETING

With the inventor’s involvement, the Technology Transfer Office will conduct market research
and identify candidate companies that have the expertise, resources, and business networks to bring
the invention to market. The inventor’s active involvement in preparing information to be
presented to companies can dramatically enhance the success of this process.

Both non-confidential summaries of the technology and confidential information, protected by a

confidentiality agreement, may be used during the marketing stage. It's important to note the
inventor(s) may be required to meet with the respective licensee in order to discuss the technology
in greater detail.

LICENSING

Our office drafts customized contracts between the University and third parties. The rights to an
invention are licensed, without relinquishing ownership. In an exclusive license, the University
will ensure that it retains the right to use and make the invention for research purposes so the
inventor may continue his/her research. However, finding an appropriate licensee can take months
and sometimes years, depending on the attractiveness of the invention and the size and stage of
development of the market.

Ex: it might take one-week to license a research material, as compared with one-year for a portfolio
of pharmaceutical compounds.

Typically two licensing paths can be pursued when licensing technology.

• Traditional License

A representative from the Technology Transfer Office licenses the invention to a third party. If
the University is successful in licensing the invention to a third party, the institution will split any
income derived from the license in accordance with the patent or copyright policy. Most University
inventions tend to be in the early stage of the development cycle and require substantial
commercialization investment, making it difficult to attract multiple licensees. Once a licensee has
been identified negotiating specific terms for different materials will take different amounts of
time.

• Start-Up Company

If the invention is a platform technology and the inventor is interested in forming a start-up
company, a representative from the Technology Transfer Office will explain the policies and
requirements necessary to obtain a license from the University. In general, the inventor will be
required to submit a business overview document to her or his Chair and Dean as well as the
Technology Transfer Office.

Once the Dean and Chair have agreed it's okay for the faculty member to proceed, the University’s
Research and Sponsored Programs Office will prepare two conflict-of-interest documents:
Between the faculty member and the University

Between the startup company and the University

After the conflict-of-interest documents are signed, a representative from the Technology Transfer
Office will begin to negotiate the license agreement. Please note that the University inventor is not
permitted to participate in this process and is strongly encouraged to hire legal counsel to represent
the newly formed business’ interests.

Typically, the financial terms of a license for a University start-up will include the following:

• Upfront license fee

• Industry standard royalty rates
• Minimum annual royalty
• Sublicense fees
• Milestone payments
• A percentage of equity
• Reimbursement of all patent expenses

LICENSE MANAGEMENT

The Technology Transfer Office will maintain and catalog the license for the life of patent. The
performance of a license will be reviewed periodically and monitored to assure reimbursement for
patenting costs and payments owed under the license.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Developing a product primarily entails product design, engineering and testing. University faculty
and start-ups can work with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Rocket Innovations
and Business Incubator to identify and apply for SBIR and STTR grants to cover the expenses
associated with developing a product. The start-up will also need to perform market research and
market analysis to determine how the company plans to enter the market. Start-up companies can
benefit from interaction with fellow entrepreneurs and University faculty, staff and students in one
of the University’s incubators. University Incubation also works with economic development
resources, including, but not limited to: Rocket Innovations, Ohio Department of Development,
and Regional Growth Partnership.

COMMERCIALIZATION

The licensee company continues the advancement of the technology and makes other business
investments to develop the product or service. This step may entail further development, regulatory
approvals, sales and marketing, support, training, and other activities.

Technology Assessment:
Technology assessment is the process of evaluating new technologies to determine their suitability
for a specific purpose. It involves analyzing the potential benefits and risks of a technology and
determining whether it is the right fit for an organization.

Why is Technology Assessment Important?

Technology assessment is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps businesses make informed
decisions about which technologies to invest in. By evaluating the potential benefits and risks of a
technology, organizations can determine whether it will help them achieve their goals and improve
their operations.

Second, technology assessment helps businesses avoid costly mistakes. By evaluating a

technology before investing in it, organizations can identify potential issues and address them
before they become major problems. This can save businesses time and money in the long run.

Third, technology assessment can help businesses stay competitive. By adopting new technologies,
organizations can stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive advantage over their rivals.

The Technology Assessment Process

The technology assessment process involves several steps, including:

Step 1: Identify the Need

The first step in the technology assessment process is to identify the need for a new technology.
This could be a need to improve operations, reduce costs, or meet a customer demand.

Step 2: Define the Problem

Once the need has been identified, the next step is to define the problem that the new technology
will address. This involves identifying the specific challenges that need to be overcome and the
goals that need to be achieved.

Step 3: Research

The third step in the technology assessment process is to research potential solutions. This involves
gathering information about the available technologies and evaluating their suitability for the
organization's needs.

Step 4: Evaluate

After researching potential solutions, the next step is to evaluate them. This involves analyzing the
potential benefits and risks of each technology and determining which one is the best fit for the
organization.

Step 5: Implement
Once a technology has been selected, the next step is to implement it. This involves planning and
executing a strategy for adopting and integrating the new technology into the organization's
operations.

Step 6: Monitor and Review

The final step in the technology assessment process is to monitor and review the new technology's
performance. This involves measuring its impact on the organization's operations and making
adjustments as needed.

• Benefits of Technology Assessment

Technology assessment offers several benefits for businesses and individuals, including:
• Improved Operations
By adopting new technologies, organizations can improve their operations and become
more efficient. This can lead to cost savings and improved productivity.
• Competitive Advantage
By staying ahead of the curve and adopting new technologies, organizations can gain a
competitive advantage over their rivals.
• Risk Mitigation
Technology assessment helps businesses identify potential risks and address them before
they become major problems. This can help organizations avoid costly mistakes and reduce
their overall risk.

Man-Machine Interaction:

Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) is a dynamic field that encompasses the communication and
interaction between humans and machines through various interfaces and systems. Its primary
objective is to facilitate effective and seamless exchanges of information, commands, and
feedback, empowering users to control and interact with technology effortlessly. A successful HMI
design aims to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enable humans to operate and
engage with machines, devices, or software in a natural and efficient manner, promoting a positive
user experience.

Advantages of Human-Machine Interaction:

• Enhanced Usability: HMI’s focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces makes
it easier for humans to interact with machines. This emphasis on usability leads to quicker
learning curves, smooth navigation, and efficient utilization of the technology.
• Error Prevention and Recovery: Through clear instructions, visual cues, and informative
feedback, HMI reduces the likelihood of users making mistakes or encountering critical
errors. Additionally, effective error recovery mechanisms and intuitive interfaces help
users resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
• Alert Safety: HMI plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring user well-being.
By providing clear warnings, alerts, and feedback mechanisms, users can better understand
 potential risks or hazards associated with machine operation, allowing them to take
appropriate precautions.

Disadvantages of Human-Machine Interaction:

• Loss of Human Interaction: In some contexts, extensive reliance on HMI can lead to a
reduction in human-to-human interaction. For instance, increased use of digital
communication and virtual interfaces may limit face-to-face interactions, potentially
impacting social connections and causing feelings of isolation or loneliness.
• Skills and Training Requirement: While HMI aims to simplify interactions, certain
machines or systems may still require specialized skills and training for effective operation.
Users might need to acquire new knowledge or undergo training programs, adding to the
initial cost and time investment.
• Ethical Considerations and Privacy Concerns: The integration of advanced technologies in
HMI brings forth ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Issues such as data privacy,
security breaches, surveillance, and unintended consequences of automation must be
addressed to ensure HMI systems respect individual rights, maintain confidentiality, and
uphold ethical standards.

Assembly line Automation:

An automated assembly line involves using assembly and/or process stations that progressively
produce manufacturers’ end products. These lines may deploy robotics, conveyance, vision, or
other automated technology to complete production tasks in multiple stations, moving the part or
product through each step in an automated production sequence. Automated assembly lines can
take many forms, including lean automation, flexible automation, and fixed or hard automation.

The Types of Automation Used in an Assembly Line

Automation has become an important part of assembly lines. It helps speed up the process and
produce high-quality products. There are many types of automation, each with its own set of
advantages, whether it’s a hard, programmable, or soft type of automation in the assembly line.

Here is a look at some of the most common types:

• Robots are widely used in assembly lines because they are efficient and accurate. They can
work for longer hours without making mistakes.
• Machines are used to dispense the right amount of glue or fasteners, among other things.
They are precise and can save time and money.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are used to move materials or products from one
place to another. They are small vehicles that move along a pre-programmed path and can
transport anything from boxes to pallets.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the term used to refer to all the machines, computers,
sensors, and other devices that are connected through the internet.
• Collaborative robots, or cobots, are robots that work together with humans. They are safe
to work around and can be used for a variety of tasks.
The Advantages of Assembly Line Automation

There are many advantages to using an automated assembly line. Here are some of the most
important ones:

• Speed – Automated assembly lines are much faster than manual lines. This means that
products can be produced at a faster rate and with less manpower.
• Accuracy – Automated assembly lines are more accurate than manual lines. This means
fewer mistakes are made and products can be produced more efficiently.
• Less Labor – Automated assembly lines require less manpower than manual lines. Since
robots do not get tired, they work for longer hours without making mistakes. They can also
carry out specific tasks that would otherwise have to be done manually by multiple people.
• Safety – Automated assembly lines are safe to use. They do not require any manual labor
with dangerous applications.
• Cost – Automated assembly lines are more expensive than manual lines. However, they
save money in the long run because they are more efficient and accurate.

Assignment: Analyze the impact of Assembly line and Automation on Industry.

Corporate Social Responsibility:

The term Corporate Social Responsibility consists of three words, each one carrying a significant
importance.

➢ Corporate- refers to the companies/organizations/ firms;

➢ Social- refers to society at large;

➢ Responsibility- meaning the duty.

So the term corporate social responsibility refers to the responsibility of corporate /companies
towards the society.

Bowen (1953) defined Social Responsibilities of business as “ it(social responsibility) refers to the
obligations of businessmen to pursue those policies, to make those decisions, or to follow those
lines of action which are desirable in terms of objectives and values of our society”.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics

Business Ethics refers to morally and socially acceptable business practices being undertaken by
the business. Business ethics is a again a subset of corporate social responsibility. A business
cannot be socially responsible in the true sense unless and until it is ethical. Only a company with
strong business ethics will be genuinely concerned about its societal role.

A large number of activities are undertaken by the companies under the umbrella of CSR.
Few of these activities are:
 • To promote education in society.
• To organize programs designed to enhance the vocational skills among people.
• To promote health care and sanitation.
• To organize seminars and programs in order to educate people about the environment and
sustainable development.
• Setting up of orphanages, old age homes and daycare centres.
• Promote training for sports
• To contribute during the times of natural calamities like earthquakes, droughts and floods.
• To promote programmes and schemes for poverty alleviation, eradication of hunger,
providing safe drinking water, health care measures, rural development programs.
• To promote infrastructure development for building schools, hospitals, sports training
complexes, etc.

Types of Corporate Social Responsibility

In general, there are four main types of corporate social responsibility. A company may choose to
engage in any of these separately, and lack of involvement in one area does not necessarily exclude
a company from being socially responsible.

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is the pillar of corporate social responsibility rooted in preserving

mother nature. Through optimal operations and support of related causes, a company can ensure
that it leaves natural resources better than before its operations. A company can pursue
environmental stewardship through:

• Reducing pollution, waste, natural resource consumption, and emissions through its
manufacturing process.
• Recycling goods and materials throughout its processes, including promoting re-use
practices with its customers.
• Offsetting negative impacts by replenishing natural resources or supporting causes that can
help neutralize the company's impact. For example, a manufacturer that deforests trees may
commit to planting the same amount or more.
• Distributing goods consciously by choosing methods that have the least impact on
emissions and pollution.
• Creating product lines that enhance these values. For example, a company that offers a gas
lawnmower may design an electric lawnmower.

Ethical Responsibility

Ethical responsibility is the pillar of corporate social responsibility rooted in acting in a fair, ethical
manner. Companies often set their own standards, although external forces or demands by clients
may shape ethical goals. Instances of ethical responsibility include:
 • Fair treatment across all types of customers regardless of age, race, culture, or sexual
orientation.
• Positive treatment of all employees including favorable pay and benefits in excess of
mandated minimums. This includes fair employment consideration for all individuals
regardless of personal differences.
• Expansion of vendor use to utilize different suppliers of different races, genders, veteran
statuses, or economic statuses.
• Honest disclosure of operating concerns to investors in a timely and respectful manner.
Though not always mandated, a company may choose to manage its relationship with
external stakeholders beyond what is legally required.

Philanthropic Responsibility

Philanthropic responsibility is the pillar of corporate social responsibility that challenges how a
company acts and how it contributes to society. In its simplest form, philanthropic responsibility
refers to how a company spends its resources to make the world a better place. This includes:

• Whether a company donates profit to charities or causes it believes in.

• Whether a company enters into transactions only with suppliers or vendors that align with
the company philanthropically.
• Whether a company supports employee philanthropic endeavors through time off or
matching contributions.
• Whether a company sponsors fundraising events or has a presence in the community.

Financial Responsibility

Financial responsibility is the pillar of corporate social responsibility that ties together the three
areas above. A company might make plans to be more environmentally, ethically, and
philanthropically focused; however, it must back these plans through financial investments of
programs, donations, or product research. This includes spending on:

• Research and development for new products that encourage sustainability.

• Recruiting different types of talent to ensure a diverse workforce.
• Initiatives that train employees on DEI, social awareness, or environmental concerns.
• Processes that might be more expensive but yield greater CSR results.
• Ensuring transparent and timely financial reporting including external audits.