In news
The Indian Space Research Organisation has proposed to give renewed focus and thrust to its policy on transfer of technologies developed by it to industries for commercialisation.
About Technology Transfer Policy
- ISRO will be responsible for identifying technologies for transfer.
- The Department of Space will be the approval body.
- The Bengaluru-headquartered space agency under the Department of Space (DOS) has come out with revised technology transfer policy guidelines – 2020.
- All transfer of technologies will be given effect through the New Space India Limited (NSIL) which will fix the license fee and other charges for the transfer.
- Each centre of the ISRO must identify technologies which can be transferred, based on factors such as:
- readiness of the technology,
- proven use of the technology,
- chances of success in the recipient organisation,
- socio-economic or commercial viability.
- A dedicated Technology Transfer Cell will be responsible for end-to-end coordination to ensure successful commercialisation of technologies.
What is it?
- One of the steps critical to the success of technology transfer programmes is the identification of technology that has a potential for commercialisation, and the DOS/ISRO centres play a vital role in this process.
- A dedicated Technology Transfer Cell (TTC) within the centre may be identified with laid down responsibilities for end-to-end coordination, both within the organisation, i.e., the inventors, quality and testing teams and the potential licensee to ensure successful commercialisation of technologies for maximal exploitation.
- The technology transfer activities shall be organised through a centralised Technology Transfer Group (TTG) Office under Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO) operating from ISRO headquarters.
- Such centralised office shall interface with all DOS/ISRO centres through centre-level TTC for all day-to-day activities concerning technology transfer.
- This revised guidelines document sets down the broad approach of ISRO, DOS, to the mechanism of transfer of technologies, developed by its centres/units.
- The technology transfer activities of the DOS are primarily intended for the domestic utilisation of these technologies by Indian industries (both public and private sector).
Guidelines
- Transfer of technology must not be made to any individual.
- For non-profit or non-government organisations seeking transfer of technologies which have societal application, no transfer of technology cost will be payable.
- Ordinarily, the cost of transfer will include:
- cost of direct material or components,
- direct staff costs,
- travel and logistics expenses,
- intellectual expenses (nominal, up to 5% of total estimated cost).