A successful model of technology transfer in Venezuela

Abstract

The Health Technology Management Unit (UGTS), part of the Research and Development Foundation(Funindes) at Simon Bolívar University (USB) has become a motor for technological transformation of Venezuela on Health Sector. The UGTS, promotesUSB capabilities, encouraging research, developmentand innovation in health and at the same time generating resources to improve and expand the productive capacity of the institution. lnnovation processes require a different structure from basic research and university staff participation should allow processes to evolve from the development phase to the production phase, distribution and marketing. Once brought to the marketing stage,comrnercial agreements should be established between the interested parties with regards to patents, profits, etc. This procedure should be such as to enable the University to obtain extra resources without compromising academic activity. From experience, we have laid the foundation for the development of technology-based companies linked to the University. In this paper we present the results of this process, including business initiatives resulting there from namely Technoclinical Solutions and Celulab Cell Engineering Company.