TakingInnovation
AbroadTransfer

Hype or Hope
© shutterstockfor Innovation?

Taking Innovation Abroad
Bridging Borders for Technology Transfer in Germany and Japan
December 4-5, 2023 , DWIH Tokyo

Dr. Muriel Helbig
Vice-President

I. Introduction
Transfer- Hype or Hope for Innovation?
Transfer has become a significant trend, possibly a hype.
• Transfer → innovation → transformation → solving problems• One key source for innovation: science and research▪ An interconnection of science, economy, society (…) is essential, thus transfer→ How can we facilitate transfer that contributes to making the world a better place?

II. Concept of Transfer
Knowledge and Technology Transfer• Knowledge / Technology Transfer → technological, social, economic, or digital innovation → transformation

Is the differentiation between•

knowledge and technology transfer•

technological, social, economic, or digital innovation useful?

Technological Innovation

advancements in science and technology, engineering […]→ new tools, machinery, software, or systems

Social Innovation

changes in social structures, policies, cultural practices, or organizational models→ improving the quality of life, promoting social justice, addressing issues related to education, healthcare, poverty,and community development.

II. Concept of Transfer
Knowledge and Technology Transfer• Knowledge / Technology Transfer → technological, social, economic, or digital innovation → transformation

Is the differentiation between•

knowledge and technology transfer•

technological, social, economic, or digital innovation useful?

Technological Innovation

advancements in science and technology, engineering […]→ new tools, machinery, software, or systems

Social Innovation

changes in social structures, policies, cultural practices, or organizational models→ improving the quality of life, promoting social justice, addressing issues related to education, healthcare, poverty,
and community development.

III. How Do We Promote Transfer?
a) Establishing structures• through programs and transfer agenciesb) fostering a transfer-friendly culture→ At university & research institutions, transfer• of same importance and• integrated part of teaching and research.
Measures (examples)• anchoring transfer within the university government,• establishing technology transfer offices,• creating transfer labs or real-world-laboratories• fostering collaborative research initiatives.

III. How Do We Promote Transfer?
Government Programs & Agencies (examples)• Exist: Support of university-based business start-ups, for example through grants.
• SPRIND: Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation• DATI: German Agency for Transfer and Innovation
Transfer-Friendly Mindset• Various initiatives, catchy names• innovative formats• contests with prize awards• mages of energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds
European Initiatives (Examples)• European Innovation Council• New European Innovation Agenda

III. How Do We Promote Transfer?
Government Programs & Agencies (examples)• Exist: Support of university-based business start-ups, for example through grants.
• SPRIND: Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation• DATI: German Agency for Transfer and Innovation
Transfer-Friendly Mindset• Various initiatives, catchy names• innovative formats• contests with prize awards• mages of energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds
European Initiatives (Examples)• European Innovation Council• New European Innovation Agenda

IV. What Do We Know About Transfer Measures?
• Germany: international midfield• Japan: top 31

funding agencies in Japan have a long history & comparatively high financial funding volume

V. Premises for Responsible Transfer• Social impact of technology
e.g., the technology “Social Media” has influenced communication patterns• Social issues in technology developmente.g., privacy, equity and inclusion. Inclusive technological design• Collaboration for social changee.g., online-crowdfunding for a good cause, online education

VI. Conclusion• Technology transfer is both a hype and a hope for innovation• Needed: Supportive structures, programs, funding, shift in academia's reputational system• Creating a culture open to transfer activities is crucial• Diversity and a societal-first approach need to be emphasized• There's no one-size-fits-all solution• Japan's success in transfer makes this symposium an invaluable platform for bridging borders• If transfer is to be of helpful, hopeful, useful nature – it has to be international

Dr. Muriel K Helbig
Vice-President DAAD

Thank you!

© Michael Jordan, DAAD

vizepraesidentin@daad.de11