- Details
By Sharah Ibrahim
Following a successful conduct in Region XII, the 2nd Stakeholders' Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization recently took place in Region XI. The forum continued its mission of fostering dialogue and collaboration among key players in the field of technology and innovation.
Ms. Maria Lourdes D. Lim CESO II, the Regional Director of NEDA Region XI started the forum by discussing the Davao region's mid-term plan for enhancing research, technology, and innovation.
Following this, Ms. Janice W. Cornel, a Planning Officer III from the Department of Science and Technology's Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), provided an overview of DOST-TAPI's efforts in nurturing Technology Innovation Developments, Transfer, and Commercialization.
Region XI Representatives from the Academe, Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units (LGU), Private Industry, and MSMEs.
Ideation and Protection
The forum identified several challenges, including the difficulty of reaching remote areas and a general lack of understanding about technology transfer and intellectual property rights. To tackle these issues, participants suggested enhancing outreach efforts to LGUs, organizing intellectual property rights seminars, and setting up offices dedicated to promoting IP awareness and facilitating technology transfer.
Participants presented their respective groups' identified issues, concerns, and suggested programs for the workshop.
Technology Development
From the academic sector, the most significant challenge identified was the difficulty in accessing funds. To address this, the forum proposed that DOST-TAPI could spearhead regular campaigns in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to provide Technology Development Training for Students. From the private sector's perspective, it was noted that some technologies require further validation in collaboration with the target industry, suggesting a potential role for DOST-TAPI in providing funding for this validation process.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
The forum highlighted the need to increase the visibility of tech transfer offices in the region. Participants also suggested that financial support is needed to elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) of existing low TRL technologies that have potential for technology transfer and commercialization. Additionally, the forum emphasized the need for business development training for academics, as they may not necessarily have the business acumen or market expertise required for commercialization.
Participants presented their respective groups' identified issues, concerns, and suggested programs for the workshop.
Promotion and Utilization
The forum identified a lack of clarity in defining the target markets for ready technologies, which could hinder their effective promotion and application. Participants suggested investing time and resources in identifying specific sectors or groups that could most effectively utilize these technologies. The forum also discussed potential revenue generation strategies for ready technologies, citing examples from the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Min) and the University of Immaculate Conception (UIC).
The forum concluded with a discussion on best practices for promoting technologies to attract investors and adopters. Suggestions included engaging with local industry associations, cooperatives, and community groups, fostering close collaborations with LGUs, tailoring marketing strategies to local preferences, and building strong relationships with local investors, technology adopters, alumni networks, and other stakeholders.
The forum underscored the importance of government support in fostering the growth and development of technology participants in the country. However, it was also noted that government support alone cannot meet all the needs of technology participants. A more collaborative and integrated approach involving various sectors is essential for creating a thriving technology environment.
- Details
By Sharah Ibrahim
Taguig City- In an effort to strengthen international collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) hosted an industrial study tour for the officials of Bhutan's Department of Industry on June 13, 2023.
The tour, which primarily focused on Industrial Parks, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), was organized by Corporate Training Bangkok Co. Ltd.
The event marked an important step in fostering cooperation and promoting the sharing of best practices among different nations to stimulate economic growth.
In her welcome remarks, DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, expressed her excitement for the outcome of the study tour.
During his welcoming remarks, DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena laid out the institute's primary mission, which involves promoting, transferring, and commercializing technologies on both local and international fronts. She welcomed the opportunity to stimulate insightful discussions with the Bhutanese officials and was keen on exploring potential areas of collaboration.
Ms. Shreejana Shrestha, Team leader and Program coordinator from Corporate Training Bangkok, shared a brief background of their organization.
Representatives from Bhutan's Department of Industry, shared the objectives and expectations of the study tour.
The Bhutanese delegation included Mr. Tandin Wangdi, Chief, Industry Sustenance and Support Division, who showed interest in the Philippines' strategies in developing and promoting SMEs. Mr. Tshesum Dawa, Chief of Invest Bhutan, provided a comprehensive overview of their sectors, notably production and manufacturing services. Furthermore, Mr. Kuenzang, Deputy Chief, CSI Promotion Division, expressed his curiosity about the mechanisms of promoting SMEs for economic development in the Philippines.
Josiah Poyugao of ACU-i, (first photo), along with Matthew Villanueva from ACU-n, (second photo), lead an in-depth discussion about the DOST-TAPI's programs and services.
Afterwards, Josiah Poyugao of Applied Communications Unit for Inventors (ACU-i) and Matthew Villanueva of Applied Communications Unit for non-Inventors (ACU-n) presented the department's varied programs, which span from ideation, protection to commercialization linkages, technology promotion, and marketing services.
DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, addressed and clarified the issues and questions raised by the Bhutanese delegation, facilitating a productive exchange of views during the open discussion.
DOST-TAPI officials proudly stated a success rate of more than 90%, with their budget primarily sourced from the national government.
The day concluded with a site visit to Bienvenido Food Supply Corporation (BFSC), where the Bhutanese officials and Corporate Training Bangkok representatives were given an overview of the manufacturing process, from raw material preparation and packaging to actual cooking.
During their site visit, the delegation from Bhutan embarked on a tour of the Bienvenido Food Supply Corporation (BFSC) in Paranaque City.
BFSC, a previous beneficiary of DOST-TAPI's financial assistance through various programs, is an example of a successful intervention, adherence to environmental regulations, increased production, and job creation. The site visit provided the Bhutanese delegation with a tangible case study of effective SME policies and interventions.
The collaboration between DOST-TAPI, the Bhutan government officials, and Corporate Training Bangkok Co. Ltd represents a significant stride in enhancing international cooperation and shared learning. The study tour highlighted the potential of SMEs as catalysts for economic growth and innovation. With an impressive success rate, DOST-TAPI's programs demonstrated the powerful impact of government support in fostering technological advancement and economic development.
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