5.5 Technology transfer and knowledge sharing
13 min read•august 20, 2024
Technology transfer and knowledge sharing are crucial for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness in global markets. These processes involve the exchange of innovations, skills, and expertise between organizations or countries, enabling smaller firms to access cutting-edge technologies without extensive R&D investments.
Various methods facilitate technology transfer, including intellectual property, forming , and creating spin-offs. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges for SMEs, requiring careful consideration of factors like IP protection, cultural barriers, and to maximize the value of transferred technologies.
Types of technology transfer
- Technology transfer involves the sharing of knowledge, skills, and innovations between organizations or countries
- Enables SMEs to access new technologies and capabilities that can enhance their competitiveness in international markets
- Different types of technology transfer arrangements suit different business objectives and relationships
Licensing of intellectual property
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- Involves granting permission to use patented technologies, trademarks, or copyrighted materials in exchange for royalties or fees
- Allows SMEs to commercialize innovations developed by others without having to invest in R&D themselves
- Licensing agreements specify the terms and conditions of use, such as geographic scope, duration, and performance requirements
- Examples: Licensing of software algorithms (Google's PageRank), pharmaceutical compounds (Merck's Keytruda), or industrial designs (Dyson's cyclone technology)
Joint ventures and partnerships
- Collaborative arrangements where two or more parties pool resources and expertise to develop or exploit technologies
- Enables SMEs to share risks and rewards of technology commercialization with partners that have complementary assets or market access
- Joint ventures can take various forms, such as equity partnerships, contractual alliances, or research consortia
- Examples: Fuji Xerox (joint venture between Fuji Photo Film and Xerox), Airbus (consortium of European aerospace companies), or Sematech (semiconductor manufacturing research alliance)
Mergers and acquisitions
- Involves the sale or combination of companies to gain control over their technologies, intellectual property, and human capital
- Enables SMEs to quickly acquire new technological capabilities or eliminate competitors in fast-moving markets
- M&A transactions can be friendly or hostile, and often involve complex valuation and integration challenges
- Examples: Facebook's acquisition of Oculus VR, Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn, or Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility
Spin-offs and start-ups
- Creation of new ventures to commercialize technologies developed within larger organizations, such as universities, research labs, or corporations
- Allows entrepreneurs to leverage the resources and reputation of the parent organization while maintaining autonomy and agility
- Spin-offs and start-ups often require external funding, such as venture capital or government grants, to scale up their operations
- Examples: Genentech (biotech spin-off from University of California), Fairchild Semiconductor (spin-off from Shockley Semiconductor), or Google (start-up from Stanford University research project)
Stages of technology transfer process
- Technology transfer is a multi-stage process that involves identifying promising technologies, assessing their commercial potential, and facilitating their adoption by new users
- SMEs need to carefully manage each stage of the process to ensure successful outcomes and avoid common pitfalls
- The technology transfer process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized expertise and resources
Identifying transferable technologies
- Involves scanning the internal and external environment for technologies that have potential applications beyond their current use
- May involve market research, technology scouting, or soliciting proposals from researchers and inventors
- Technologies may be at different stages of development, from early-stage concepts to fully-proven prototypes
- Example: NASA's Technology Transfer Program identifies space technologies that can be adapted for commercial use (memory foam)
Assessing commercial potential
- Evaluating the technical feasibility, market demand, and economic viability of transferable technologies
- May involve conducting due diligence, feasibility studies, or market testing with potential customers
- Assessing risks and uncertainties, such as regulatory hurdles, competitive threats, or
- Example: University technology transfer offices assess the commercial potential of faculty inventions before filing for patents (Google's PageRank algorithm)
Protecting intellectual property rights
- Securing legal protection for the proprietary aspects of the technology, such as patents, trademarks, or trade secrets
- Developing an IP strategy that balances the costs and benefits of different protection mechanisms
- Conducting freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringing on others' intellectual property rights
- Example: Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) patented many of its groundbreaking computing inventions (graphical user interface)
Marketing to potential recipients
- Identifying and targeting potential licensees, partners, or buyers who have the resources and capabilities to commercialize the technology
- Developing marketing materials that communicate the value proposition and benefits of the technology
- Attending trade shows, conferences, or networking events to generate leads and build relationships
- Example: The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) hosts an annual meeting to showcase university inventions to industry partners
Negotiating terms of transfer
- Defining the scope, duration, and compensation structure of the technology transfer agreement
- Balancing the interests and incentives of the technology owner and recipient, such as royalties, milestones, or equity stakes
- Addressing issues such as performance requirements, sublicensing rights, or territorial restrictions
- Example: The Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 gave US universities the right to patent and license federally-funded inventions, leading to a surge in university-industry partnerships
Implementing transfer agreements
- Executing the legal contracts and agreements that formalize the technology transfer arrangement
- Transferring the physical assets, knowledge, and human capital required to implement the technology
- Providing training, technical assistance, and ongoing support to ensure successful adoption and use
- Example: The US National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC) helps federal laboratories transfer their technologies to the private sector through licensing, cooperative research, and technical assistance
Post-transfer support and improvement
- Monitoring the performance and impact of the transferred technology over time
- Providing ongoing technical support, upgrades, and maintenance to ensure continued value and relevance
- Collecting feedback and suggestions for improvement from technology recipients and end-users
- Example: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provides post-transfer support to countries that receive nuclear technologies, such as safety training, quality assurance, and knowledge sharing
Key players in technology transfer
- Technology transfer involves a complex ecosystem of actors and stakeholders with different roles, interests, and capabilities
- SMEs need to understand the motivations and contributions of each player to effectively navigate the technology transfer landscape
- Successful technology transfer often requires collaboration and coordination among multiple players across sectors and borders
Role of technology owners
- Develop and own the intellectual property and know-how associated with the technology
- May be universities, research labs, corporations, or individual inventors
- Seek to commercialize their technologies through licensing, partnerships, or spin-offs
- Example: The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a major source of biomedical inventions that are licensed to pharmaceutical companies
Role of technology recipients
- Acquire and adopt technologies developed by others to enhance their products, processes, or services
- May be established firms, start-ups, or government agencies
- Provide the market access, manufacturing capabilities, and financial resources to scale up and commercialize the technology
- Example: Apple licensed touch screen technology from a small Delaware company called FingerWorks to develop the iPhone
Intermediaries and facilitators
- Provide matchmaking, brokering, and support services to facilitate technology transfer between owners and recipients
- May be technology transfer offices, business incubators, accelerators, or consulting firms
- Help to identify opportunities, negotiate agreements, and manage the transfer process
- Example: The European Enterprise Network (EEN) helps SMEs find technology partners and access funding opportunities across Europe
Government agencies and policymakers
- Provide funding, infrastructure, and policy support for technology transfer and commercialization
- May be national, regional, or local government bodies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development
- Develop laws, regulations, and incentives that shape the technology transfer environment, such as intellectual property rights, tax credits, or public-private partnerships
- Example: The US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides grants to SMEs to develop and commercialize technologies for federal agencies
Intellectual property considerations
- Intellectual property (IP) is a critical asset in technology transfer, as it provides legal protection and competitive advantage for proprietary technologies
- SMEs need to carefully manage their IP portfolio to maximize the value and impact of their technologies
- Different types of IP protection have different strengths, limitations, and costs that need to be considered in technology transfer strategies
Patents vs trade secrets
- Patents provide exclusive rights to make, use, or sell an invention for a limited period of time in exchange for public disclosure
- Trade secrets protect confidential information that has commercial value, such as formulas, processes, or customer lists
- Patents are more expensive and time-consuming to obtain, but provide stronger legal protection and can be licensed or sold
- Trade secrets do not require registration, but are vulnerable to reverse engineering or accidental disclosure
- Example: Coca-Cola has kept its formula as a trade secret for over a century, while Pfizer patented its Viagra drug to prevent generic competition
Trademarks and branding
- Trademarks protect the distinctive names, logos, or symbols that identify the source of a product or service
- Branding creates a unique identity and reputation for a technology or company that can enhance its market value and customer loyalty
- Trademarks and brands can be licensed or franchised to other parties as part of a technology transfer agreement
- Example: The "Intel Inside" trademark and logo are licensed to computer manufacturers to promote the use of Intel microprocessors
Copyright and software licensing
- Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as software code, user interfaces, or documentation
- Software licensing agreements specify the terms and conditions under which users can access, use, modify, or distribute the software
- Open source licenses, such as GNU or Apache, allow free use and modification of software, while proprietary licenses restrict access and use
- Example: Microsoft licenses its Windows operating system to computer manufacturers and end-users under proprietary terms, while Linux is licensed under open source terms
IP valuation and pricing strategies
- Determining the economic value of intellectual property is a complex and subjective process that depends on factors such as market demand, competitive landscape, and stage of development
- Common valuation methods include cost, market, and income approaches, which estimate the value based on the costs of development, comparable market transactions, or expected future revenues
- Pricing strategies for IP licensing or sale can be based on fixed fees, royalties, equity stakes, or hybrid models that share risks and rewards
- Example: Stanford University licensed its Google PageRank patent to Google for 1.8 million shares of stock, which were worth over $300 million when Google went public
Challenges in technology transfer
- Technology transfer can be a complex and risky process that involves many challenges and barriers, especially for SMEs with limited resources and capabilities
- Understanding and addressing these challenges is critical for successful technology transfer and commercialization
- SMEs need to develop strategies and partnerships to overcome these challenges and realize the benefits of technology transfer
Cultural and language barriers
- Technology transfer often involves collaboration between parties from different countries, cultures, and languages
- in communication styles, decision-making processes, and business practices can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts
- Language barriers can hinder effective knowledge sharing, negotiation, and implementation of transfer agreements
- Example: The transfer of high-speed rail technology from Europe to China faced challenges due to differences in engineering standards, project management practices, and intellectual property norms
Absorptive capacity of recipients
- The ability of technology recipients to identify, assimilate, and exploit new technologies depends on their prior knowledge, skills, and resources
- SMEs may lack the technical expertise, infrastructure, or financial capacity to effectively adopt and use new technologies
- Building absorptive capacity requires investments in human capital, R&D, and organizational learning
- Example: Many developing countries lack the scientific and engineering skills to adopt advanced renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines
Adapting technology to local needs
- Technologies developed in one context may not be directly applicable or relevant to the needs and conditions of other markets or users
- Adapting technologies to local requirements, such as climate, culture, or regulations, can be costly and time-consuming
- Involving local stakeholders and end-users in the technology development and transfer process can help ensure relevance and adoption
- Example: The One Laptop per Child project aimed to provide low-cost laptops to children in developing countries, but faced challenges in adapting the design and content to local languages, curricula, and infrastructure
Financing technology acquisition
- Acquiring and commercializing new technologies often requires significant upfront investments in R&D, equipment, and human capital
- SMEs may lack the internal funds or access to external financing to support technology transfer and scale-up
- Public and private funding sources, such as government grants, venture capital, or impact investing, can help bridge the financing gap
- Example: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provides grants and loans to support the development and transfer of health technologies to low-income countries, such as vaccines and diagnostics
Mitigating risks and uncertainties
- Technology transfer involves many risks and uncertainties, such as technical feasibility, market demand, regulatory approval, and intellectual property disputes
- SMEs may be more vulnerable to these risks due to their limited resources and diversification
- Mitigating risks requires careful due diligence, contingency planning, and risk-sharing agreements with partners and stakeholders
- Example: The transfer of genetically modified crop technologies from multinational agribusiness firms to smallholder farmers in developing countries has faced risks related to biosafety, food security, and social acceptance
Knowledge sharing mechanisms
- Knowledge sharing is a critical component of technology transfer, as it enables the flow of information, skills, and best practices between parties
- Different types of knowledge, such as explicit or tacit, require different sharing mechanisms and channels
- SMEs need to develop a knowledge management strategy that facilitates the capture, storage, and dissemination of critical knowledge assets
Codified vs tacit knowledge
- Codified knowledge is explicit, structured, and easily transferable through documents, formulas, or software code
- Tacit knowledge is implicit, personal, and difficult to articulate or transfer, such as know-how, intuition, or experience
- Codified knowledge can be easily shared through written or digital media, while tacit knowledge requires face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning
- Example: The transfer of a chemical manufacturing process may involve both codified knowledge in the form of patents and technical specifications, and tacit knowledge in the form of operator skills and troubleshooting expertise
Documentation and training materials
- Creating comprehensive and user-friendly documentation and training materials is essential for effective knowledge transfer
- Documentation may include technical manuals, user guides, FAQs, or case studies that provide step-by-step instructions and best practices
- Training materials may include presentations, videos, simulations, or e-learning modules that help users acquire and apply new skills
- Example: The transfer of a complex software system may require detailed documentation of its architecture, APIs, and workflows, as well as training materials for developers, administrators, and end-users
Personnel exchanges and secondments
- Sending personnel from the technology owner to the recipient organization, or vice versa, can facilitate hands-on knowledge transfer and relationship building
- Secondments involve the temporary transfer of staff to another organization to work on a specific project or learn new skills
- Personnel exchanges can range from short-term visits to long-term assignments, and may involve different levels of staff, from executives to technicians
- Example: The transfer of lean manufacturing practices from Toyota to its suppliers involves sending Toyota engineers to work on-site at supplier plants to train and mentor local staff
Communities of practice
- Creating networks or forums where practitioners can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to a specific technology or domain
- can be internal to an organization or span multiple organizations and sectors
- Participation in communities of practice can help build trust, reciprocity, and social capital among members
- Example: The World Bank's Climate Technology Program supports a global network of climate innovation centers that share knowledge and collaborate on clean technology projects
Knowledge management systems
- Developing information technology platforms and tools that support the capture, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of knowledge assets
- Knowledge management systems can include databases, repositories, search engines, collaboration tools, or expert directories
- Effective knowledge management requires a balance of technology, processes, and culture that incentivizes knowledge sharing and reuse
- Example: NASA's Knowledge Management System includes a lessons learned database, a technical reports server, and a expertise locator tool that helps staff find and connect with experts across the agency
Benefits of technology transfer
- Technology transfer can provide many benefits to both technology owners and recipients, as well as to the broader economy and society
- SMEs can leverage technology transfer to access new markets, improve their competitiveness, and build their innovation capabilities
- Successful technology transfer requires a strategic approach that aligns with the goals and resources of the parties involved
Access to new markets
- Licensing or selling technologies to other organizations can help SMEs expand their market reach and customer base
- Entering new geographic or industry markets can diversify revenue streams and reduce dependence on a single market
- Partnering with local firms or distributors can provide market intelligence, networks, and credibility in new markets
- Example: A US-based medical device startup licensed its technology to a large European manufacturer to access the European market and scale up production
Improved competitiveness and innovation
- Acquiring and adopting new technologies can help SMEs improve the quality, performance, or differentiation of their products and services
- Collaborating with external partners can bring new ideas, skills, and perspectives that stimulate creativity and innovation
- Engaging in technology transfer can help SMEs build their absorptive capacity and innovation capabilities over time
- Example: A small Italian textile firm adopted advanced digital printing technology from a Japanese supplier to create customized, high-end fabrics for fashion designers
Cost savings and efficiency gains
- Adopting proven technologies can help SMEs reduce the costs and risks of internal R&D and product development
- Streamlining processes, automating tasks, or reducing waste through technology transfer can improve operational efficiency and productivity
- Sharing the costs and benefits of technology development and commercialization with partners can improve return on investment
- Example: A medium-sized South African mining company licensed a new mineral processing technology from an Australian research institute to reduce energy and water consumption in its operations
Capacity building and skills development
- Engaging in technology transfer can help SMEs build the technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills of their workforce
- Learning from external experts and best practices can help SMEs upgrade their capabilities and stay current with technological trends
Key Terms to Review (18)
Absorptive Capacity: Absorptive capacity is the ability of an organization to recognize the value of new information, assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends. This concept plays a critical role in technology transfer and knowledge sharing as it determines how effectively an organization can leverage external knowledge to enhance its own capabilities. A high absorptive capacity enables firms to innovate and maintain competitiveness by integrating new technologies and ideas into their processes.
Communities of practice: Communities of practice are groups of individuals who share a common interest or profession and engage in collective learning through regular interactions. These communities facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experiences, often leading to enhanced problem-solving and innovation. By connecting people who have similar goals and challenges, they create a supportive environment for ongoing learning and the transfer of technology and knowledge.
Cultural differences: Cultural differences refer to the diverse beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that distinguish various groups of people. These differences influence how individuals and organizations communicate, interact, and operate in a globalized environment. Understanding cultural differences is crucial for effective collaboration, especially when transferring technology or knowledge and navigating distribution channels across borders.
Diffusion of Innovations: Diffusion of innovations refers to the process through which new ideas, technologies, or practices spread within and between societies over time. It involves various stages, including the adoption of innovations by individuals or groups and the factors that influence this process, such as communication channels and social systems. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective technology transfer and knowledge sharing, as it helps identify how innovations can be successfully implemented in different contexts.
Innovation intermediaries: Innovation intermediaries are organizations or entities that facilitate the flow of knowledge and resources between different stakeholders, such as businesses, research institutions, and government bodies, to foster innovation. They play a critical role in bridging gaps in knowledge and resources, often providing services such as research collaboration, technology transfer, and access to funding. By connecting various players in the innovation ecosystem, they enhance technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
Innovation policy: Innovation policy refers to a set of government strategies and actions aimed at fostering and promoting research, development, and the commercialization of new technologies. This policy is essential in driving economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and addressing societal challenges by ensuring that knowledge and technology are effectively transferred and shared among various stakeholders, including businesses, academia, and public institutions.
Intellectual property issues: Intellectual property issues refer to legal disputes and challenges related to the ownership and rights of creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brands, and artistic works. These issues become particularly significant when it comes to technology transfer and knowledge sharing, where businesses or individuals seek to leverage proprietary information for competitive advantage while navigating the complexities of legal protections and potential infringements.
Joint Ventures: A joint venture is a strategic alliance where two or more parties create a new entity to pursue shared business objectives while retaining their individual identities. This collaboration allows companies to combine resources, share risks, and leverage each other’s strengths, making it an effective approach for entering new markets or developing new products. Joint ventures often involve significant technology transfer and knowledge sharing between partners, as they work together towards common goals.
Knowledge Hierarchy: Knowledge hierarchy is a framework that organizes different levels of knowledge, ranging from raw data to information, then to knowledge, and finally to wisdom. This progression illustrates how information becomes more valuable as it is processed and contextualized, ultimately enabling informed decision-making and effective technology transfer and knowledge sharing among individuals and organizations.
Knowledge sharing platforms: Knowledge sharing platforms are digital tools and systems that facilitate the exchange of information, skills, and expertise among individuals and organizations. These platforms promote collaboration by providing users with the means to share resources, experiences, and insights, ultimately enhancing collective knowledge and innovation within communities or networks.
Licensing: Licensing is a legal agreement where one party permits another to use its intellectual property (IP) under specified conditions. This process allows the licensee to access valuable resources, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights, while the licensor retains ownership and often receives compensation, such as royalties. Licensing facilitates the spread of innovations and technology across borders and industries, thereby fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
OECD: The OECD, or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1961 to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. It provides a platform for governments to collaborate on various economic issues, including trade, innovation, and sustainable development, ultimately influencing global standards in areas like antitrust laws, technology transfer, and international taxation.
Open Innovation: Open innovation is a business model that promotes collaboration and the sharing of ideas and resources between organizations, individuals, and institutions to drive innovation. This approach allows companies to leverage external knowledge and technologies, rather than solely relying on internal research and development. By embracing open innovation, firms can enhance technology transfer and facilitate knowledge sharing, leading to the faster development of new products and services.
Return on Investment (ROI): Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment relative to its cost. It helps businesses determine the efficiency of their investments and can guide decision-making for future projects. By calculating ROI, organizations can assess the potential returns from various strategies, including new market entries, technology advancements, marketing efforts, and workforce development initiatives.
SECI Model: The SECI Model is a framework that describes the process of knowledge creation and transfer within organizations through four key modes: Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization. This model emphasizes how knowledge is shared and transformed from tacit to explicit forms, facilitating effective technology transfer and knowledge sharing among individuals and teams.
Technology Brokers: Technology brokers are intermediaries who facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge between different parties, such as businesses, research institutions, and government organizations. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between innovation and practical application, ensuring that valuable technological advancements reach the entities that can utilize them effectively. By doing so, they foster collaboration, enhance competitive advantage, and promote economic growth.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a systematic metric that helps assess the maturity of a particular technology on a scale from 1 to 9, where 1 indicates a basic scientific principle and 9 signifies that the technology has been fully operational in a real-world environment. This concept is crucial in understanding the journey from theoretical research to practical application, especially in the context of technology transfer and knowledge sharing, where moving innovations from development stages to market readiness is essential for success.
UNESCO: UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It plays a crucial role in fostering technology transfer and knowledge sharing by encouraging collaboration among nations to build capacity and share expertise in various fields, especially in developing countries.