Conceptual framework
Since the end of 2005, the Universities of Aarhus, Aalborg and Southern Denmark have joined forces to develop a best-case concept for technology transfer and the utilisation of inventions at the three universities. The aim is to create valuable interactions, communication and relationship between University technology transfer offices and business communities.
Initially, this concept was one of five launched by the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, referred to as "New Concepts for Technology transfer, 2005-2009", with the overall objective being to increase technology transfer between Danish research institutions and the business community using a formalised and value-based form of collaboration.
Establishing University Technology Network
The concept was based on creating a closer relationship with companies and organisations interested in purchasing university inventions. The strenght of this unique collaboration between the three universities of Western Denmark was obtaining a large critical mass and becomming an interesting partner for the business community.
The starting point was the need for more personal contacts, for improved communication and for commercial feedback on the university technologies. So the universities of Aalborg, Aarhus and Southern Denmark has established a new concept for technology transfer: "University Technology Network".
The concept of this commercial network is simple:
- Members by invitation only
- Members receive technology presentations 6 times pr. year
- In researc field of interest only
- Five research categories to choose from
- Member provides commercial feedback by simple email reply
- Commercial interest can be expressed directly in the email
Through simplicity, a highly efficient and still very valuable network was created, allowing for a close and personal contact between the universities and the business communities, that could easily facilitate a collaboration when company interests coincide with university invention.
In spring 2009 the three universities desided to continue the succesfull collaboration after the four-year development period completed, and University Technology Network is now fully integrated at the technology transfer offices of the three universities.
Collaboration with trade organisations
From the outset focus was on including the users in the development of the concept. In this respect, we have benefited immensely from the constructive collaboration with both the Confederation of Danish Industries and the Danish Association of Biotechnology Industries. We look forward to continuing and developing these collaborations with the intention of optimising the core relationships and collaborations between our three universities and the members of the network.
Other forms of collaboration
From the beginning the concept has also worked closely alongside both Danish and international institutions of higher education, including world-leading ISIS Innovation at Oxford University, UK, as well as the Technology Licensing Office at MIT, US, in developing the concept and organising events. We also collaborate with the Danish National Network for Technology Transfer. Following the recent university mergers we have increased technology transfer collaboration with our new colleagues – something we expect will benefit both our members and ourselves.
PR
We are actively involved in PR efforts to disseminate knowledge of our concept using a variety of channels. For instance, we have had the pleasure of presenting the concept in the leading Danish business newspaper “Børsen” and in “DI Business”. In addition, we have been arranging events in collaboration with the Confederation of Danish Industries and the Danish Association of Biotechnology Industries. We look forward to sharing more positive stories about technology transfer in the future as well as meeting a great number of new and old members at technology transfer related events.