Best practice case studies for technology transfer in Europe

Objective: The paper provides an overview of initiatives deployed across Europe with the aim of supporting and stimulating the transfer of biotechnology discoveries and technologies to society. Methodology: The 17 European... [ view full abstract ]

Objective:
The paper provides an overview of initiatives deployed across Europe with the aim of supporting and stimulating the transfer of biotechnology discoveries and technologies to society.

Methodology:
The 17 European best practice case studies selected cover a wide area. First, we focus on the core organizations involved in technology transfer in biotechnology: TTOs, business incubators and research institutes. We then scrutinize knowledge and technology transfer funding mechanisms on different policy levels. In a last step, we consider how technology transfer activities are embedded within a regional ecosystem.

Results:
High-quality research lies at the heart of technology transfer. If there is no competitive, differentiating research activity, there are no basic inputs for technology transfer. Once we go past this basic assumption, we observe that initiatives and support measures are taken in a wide variety of domains, with alternating success. We draw on these experiences to formulate relevant implications for tech transfer officers; university managers and regional policy makers.