Innovation and Technology Transfer Support
Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
The main goal of technology transfer (the transfer of technology developed by
university researchers to the private sector) is to improve national economic
growth through greater technological innovation. Technology transfer contributes
directly to technological innovation by supplying the private sector with new
technologies that have commercial potential. While businesses look forward to
the prospect of receiving new products and services, universities are motivated
by the potential income stream from successful licensing agreements, and
greater employment opportunities that graduates may have with industry
partners. University faculty and students are also motivated by the potential
income they may derive from commercialization of their inventions, as well as the
satisfaction from seeing their inventions put to good use (often for the public
good). In return for support of policies that encourage technology transfer, the
public benefit from social utility of new products and services that derive from
commercialization of university inventions, form new ventures and new jobs
creation, and by the overall growth in the economy
New legislation in the form of a ‘Technology Innovation Agency Act’ (Act 26,
2008) and an ‘Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and
Development Act” (Act 51, 2008) are presently being introduced in South Africa.
These Acts provide for the establishment of Technology Innovation Agency (TIA);
to support the state in stimulating and intensifying technological innovation and
invention in order to improve economic growth and the quality of life of all South
Africans by developing and exploiting innovations and inventions. Also, to be
established are a National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO),
and an Intellectual Property Fund (IPF); to provide for the establishment of
offices of technology transfer (TTO’s) at institutions/universities; and to provide
for matters connected therewith. The object of the IPR Act is to make provision
that intellectual property developed from publicly financed research and
development is utilized and commercialized for the benefit of society, whether it
be for social, economic, military or any other benefit. These Acts are providing
South African universities with new opportunities and challenges in technological
innovation and technology transfer.
The activities and functions of the TTO will take place within a framework,
and is further driven by the following:
•
•
The Vision and Mission of the University of Pretoria that emphasizes
Research and Innovation;
The 10 year Strategic Plan of the University of Pretoria;
•
•
•
The establishment and development of the University of Pretoria
Technology Transfer Office (UP-TTO);
Gaining understanding and developing strategies for the successful and full
introduction of the Technology Innovation Agency Act 26, of 2008 at the
University of Pretoria;
Gaining understanding and developing strategies for the successful and full
introduction o the Intellectual Property from publicly financed research Act
51, of 2008.
The main functions of a Technology Transfer Office are as follows:
•
To facilitate the transfer of university created discoveries into new products
and services for public good and benefit;
•
•
To promote regional economic growth and job creation;
To reward, retain and recruit suitable staff, build relationships with faculty
and the University research and innovation community and students;
•
•
•
To create, foster, and develop (new) relationships with industry;
To generate net royalty income for the TTO, inventors and the university;
To facilitate and generate new funding support for the university and/or
faculty from sponsored research funding, consulting opportunities for
faculty, and donations of money or equipment;
•
To act as a service centre to the university, faculty, and staff and students,
on all areas related to intellectual property, including providing seminars
and consulting services as required;
•
To actively support the Venture Lab (and campus companies) in their
endeavors to form new University-connected start-up (spin-out) ventures.
For more information, please contact:
Refilwe Ngoato
Technology Transfer Manager
Derpartment of Research & Innovation Support
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (012) 420 - 4568