TECHNICOM:  Bringing technology to the economic mainstream

By Elizabeth Bognalbal Ignacio
MediaCore, STII

Successful commercialization is the litmus test of technology innovation and application.

The Department of Science and Technology in an effort to bring technology to the economic forefront established the Technological Innovation and Commercialization Program or TECHNICOM to fast track the transfer and commercialization of research results especially those generated by member institutes of the National Research and Development Network or NRDN.

 Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo mentioned the importance of technology as one of the foundations of future economic development.  In her 2002 state-of-the-nation address, she urged DOST to operationalize a National Science and Technology Plan.  The NSTP for 2002-2020 gave birth to three strategic science and technology programs,   one of which is TECHNICOM. 

According to Secretary Estrella Alabastro, TECHNICOM is designed to enhance the process of spinning off technology-based enterprises by selecting the most commercially promising innovations and technology-based business concepts.  The program provides assistance in facilitating access of SMEs to research and development facilities and personnel to meet their technical needs.

TECHNICOM was established in February 2003 as a technology transfer program.   It is aimed at stimulation of technological innovation, strengthening the capacity of SMEs in R&D activities, increasing private sector adoption and commercialization of government initiated R&D breakthroughs, and maximizing benefits from government investments in R&D activities.

TECHNICOM plans to achieve its goals through the following interventions:

• Technology assessment/commercial prototype development – Technology assessment protocols will be developed to ensure the technical viability, profitability, and environmental safety of technologies developed or introduced.  Once the innovations pass these criteria, commercial prototypes can be developed to encourage application.   Commercial prototypes can also address concerns on consumer satisfaction of certain technologies or products. As a feeder program, linkages will be established with Centers of Excellence to provide assistance to students in developing prototypes of technologies that directly address the technological needs of participating companies.
  
• Business plan/feasibility study preparation – Feasibility studies will be prepared to translate research results into appropriate investment portfolio.   The business plan can also provide critical information on alternative business opportunities to pursue and ensure return on investment.  Business plans also provide the best strategy for the success of investment.
  
• Intellectual property rights protection – Funds will be made available for IP protection for selected technologies even at mid-stream research.   Appropriate mechanisms will be developed (i.e., participation in regular R&D results, review, and evaluations to assess potentials for commercialization and patentability) to ensure legal protection for researchers involved in the innovation process. Chartered patent agents will be hired to prepare, file, and execute patent applications.  If it is necessary and justified by the business, international patents can also be supported by the program.
  
• Technology valuation negotiation and licensing – Support will be provided in the preparation of technology transfer documents including negotiation and licensing services.  The IP assets of all DOST agencies and NRDN members will be assessed to determine the value of total IP assets available. Training on technology valuation, licensing, and negotiation will be developed and conducted for key NRDN people.
  
• Semi-commercial production assistance - Counterpart funds will be provided to match private sector investment in the commercial application of a particular technology innovation.  The scheme will spread the risk of commercialization and ensure commitment from investors.  Scientists can then work closely with the private sector at the production floor while testing the gaps in the technology that need to be addressed to ensure commercial success in the shortest time.
  
• Training/consultancy services will be provided on technology valuation, negotiation, and licensing.  Training packages can also be developed for technology assessment.  When justified, business consultants may be hired to assist the start-up company to map out strategies and activities to ensure investment success. DOST is hopeful that the operation of TECHNICOM will increase productivity and technology saturation in key industries and sectors to bridge the gap between technology innovation and technology application.