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Technology Transfer Office

“Research transforms money into knowledge. Technology Transfer (Innovation) transforms knowledge into money.”
“Geoffrey Nicholson, father of the Post-It”

Technology Transfer (TT) refers to the process of transferring results derived from scientific and technological research to the market and broader society, along with the associated skills and procedures. As such, it is an essential part of the technological innovation process.

Technology transfer is a complex process that involves many non-scientific and non-technological factors, as well as various stakeholders. Good or high-quality research results are not sufficient for successful technology transfer; general awareness and willingness at both organizational and individual levels, as well as skills and capacities related to specific aspects such as access to risk financing and intellectual property (IP) management, are also necessary components.

The basic steps of the technology transfer process are illustrated in the image.

Technology transfer covers a complex value chain that links research to its final societal application. This begins with the discovery of new technologies in research institutions, followed by their identification, evaluation, and protection. The next steps include marketing, potential licensing agreements, and the development of products based on technical inventions. The financial return from these products can then, for example, be used to fund further research. 

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is responsible for technology transfer and other aspects of research commercialization at the Institute. The TTO engages in various commercial activities aimed at facilitating the process of bringing research developments to the market, acting as a bridge between the academic community and industry. 

While the broad goal of the TTO is to commercialize scientific research, it also engages in numerous activities that not only bring these developments to the market but also encourage and support researchers throughout the technology transfer process. 

Some of the key functions of the TTO include: 

  • A common strategy employed by the TTO is licensing inventions, either to an industry partner or back to the inventor if they have founded a company (i.e., a spin-off or spin-out).
  • The TTO may also take an equity stake in a spin-off company instead of licensing the technology.
  • A combination of licensing and equity participation is also possible, with licensing being the more common practice.

The Technology Transfer Office also plays a role in supporting technology development and innovation, helping innovators access information on patents, scientific and technical literature, search tools, and databases, as well as use these resources more efficiently to promote innovation, technology transfer, commercialization, and technology utilization.

The Technology Transfer Office strives to support the research and development efforts of scientists at the Institute in Belgrade, leading to the creation of products and services that will improve people's quality of life. We want our researchers to contribute to job creation and help make Serbia a technological powerhouse.

Mission:

  • Assist in the protection and management of intellectual property (IP) generated at the Institute and establish mechanisms for transferring IP rights to industry, leading to the creation of new products and services for the benefit of society.
  • Improve and expand collaboration between the Institute and industry.
  • Provide support to researchers in achieving their entrepreneurial ventures.

Strategic Goals:

  • Engage as many individuals and organizations as possible in the process of knowledge and technology transfer.
  • Strengthen relationships with University members and relevant external partners.
  • Become recognized as a reliable pillar supporting the development of new approaches to technology and knowledge transfer.

Members of the Technology Transfer Office: