Technology Transfer is a key activity attracting a lot of government and regional authority encouragement, support and funding. The numbers of “Technology Transfer Officers” is increasing around the UK. Through workshops, seminars and working on a “coaching” basis, selected Transitions Partners are able to assist Technology Transfer staffs and offices acquire skills and experience and be introduced to networks which bring capability through practical experience.

Where no methods or process yet exist for Technology Transfer in a University – or indeed any organisation, Transitions can develop proposals for the building of organisation and structure, and then support implementation of plans for establishing the needed capability – working over time with te recruited organisation as it grows and begins to function. The aim is to eventually leave in place a fully capable team.

Around the World, governments and regional authorities are seeking to establish more effective Science and Research Parks and Incubators, often associated with Universities as extended arms of Technology Transfer processes. It is now well established that specific approaches to incubation and the provision of appropriate premises when technology spins out of a University – or indeed a larger company – and attendant mentoring services, leads to greatly enhanced levels of success. Transitions is well equipped and connected to numbers of existing Science Parks, Innovation Centres and providers of highly specialised services, so as to be able to co-ordinate, on a Partnership basis, with the responsible authorities, overall strategy development, planning, engagement of other specialised services and lead into implementation. Transitions is not a contractor of building works. The Transitions input will be in the overall know how, network connections and understanding of entrepreneurial and innovative processes.

Transitions special focus and Partner skill sets relating to processes of innovation and entrepreneurship enable the question “Entrepreneurship – Is It for Me ?” to be addressed by academics, technologists and scientists and others considering a move into the business/commercial world. Training and Development events are available beyond the initial questioning of individuals concerning propensity for entrepreneurial moves and commercialisation. Methodologies can be applied to enable individuals to assess entrepreneurial potential and to learn and experience through later workshops and coaching, skills and approaches needed as companies are formed and early stage growth begins. The process can be evolving and ongoing, depending upon the deeds of individuals and groups.

For public policy managers, government Innovation Agencies and other bodies, research based workshops and training on Best Practice approaches to enhancing Cluster Development can be tailored and delivered. Recently, a Transitions Partner participated in conducting a seminar with LISA – Life Sciences Austria, part of the Austrian Innovations Agentur – government supported Innovations Agency. The subject of the seminar was “Emerging Biotechnology Clusters” Cluster development as a phenomenon is a powerful element in the regional economic development of key regions – not limited to Biotechnology, but applicable to all technology areas. The Transitions capabilities for further research and research based seminar and programme development is being extended to assist groups in Denmark, Norway and in China – as well as Austria.