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Technology Transfer
Technology transfer is the process of taking existing
knowledge, facilities or capabilities developed under research and development and using these findings to fulfil public and/or private needs.
Essentially, technology transfer brings scientific and research findings to
the marketplace. There are several technology transfer organizations and
offices operating in Alberta, on both a federal and provincial level. The
mandate of these offices is to assist inventors to protect, manage and
profit from their inventions. Technology transfer is concerned with ensuring
individuals intellectual property and maximizing the profit for the holders
of this property.
The main organizations in Alberta that deal with technology transfer include the
Alberta Research Council
Research Services Office at the University of Alberta,
University Technologies International Inc. at the University of Calgary, the
Alberta Inno-centre and the
Edmonton Innovation Centre. By providing a range of services, such as the preparation of a business plan, identification of and assistance with grant funding, or contacting potential financial investors, these organizations facilitate the transfer of research and scientific development to the global marketplace.
Technology transfer represents an important facet of
innovation in Alberta, past and present. It has touched the lives of
Albertans in overt and subtle ways and through all arms of industry. One
illustrative example is the technology transfer that has occurred within
the important realm of agriculture and agribusiness. For many decades,
District Agriculturists, employed by the provincial government, were
placed in communities across Alberta and were responsible for helping
communicate the benefits and possibilities of technology transfer to
farmers and agriculturalists, serving an important role in agricultural
innovation in our province.
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