By Sharah Ibrahim
On May 29, 2023, stakeholders from various sectors in Region XII convened for the 2nd Stakeholders' Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization. The goal of the event was to evaluate the current state of technology transfer and commercialization in the Philippines, identifying potential partners and resources for sustainable projects and programs.
Mr. Aurel Raymund P. Betque, Senior Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA XII), initiated the proceedings with an overview of the Philippines Development Plan and Regional Development Plan for 2023-2028.
Afterwards, Ms. Janice W. Cornel, Planning Officer III of the Department of Science and Technology's Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), outlined DOST-TAPI's initiatives in Technology Innovation Developments, Transfer, and Commercialization.
The forum highlighted key areas of focus, which were discussed during the workshop. These areas included Ideation and Protection, Technology Development, Technology Transfer and Commercialization, and Promotion and Utilization.
Representatives from the Academe, Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units (LGU), Private Industry, and MSMEs participated actively and came up with the following output:
Ideation and Protection
Participants underscored the need for enhancing Intellectual Property (IP) awareness, institutionalizing IP Technology Transfer Business Development Offices, providing strong administrative support, and facilitating the incubation of locally patented technologies. The importance of building linkages with relevant organizations such as DOST, TAPI, and IPOPHIL and providing financial support for promising patented works were also emphasized.
Technology Development
Concerns were raised about the relevance of generated technologies and the rapid pace of technological advancements resulting in skills and training gaps. The forum underscored the need for educational programs and opportunities, along with support systems like access to new research and development facilities, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and innovation showcasing platforms.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
Stakeholders expressed the need for more funding to support technology transfer and commercialization. Participants also addressed the issue of farmers being less receptive to adopt new technology due to lack of financial support.
Promotion and Utilization
Participants proposed digital promotion for local products, regional pitch fests, and the establishment of a digital platform for the promotion and screening of local products and startups in the region. The importance of creating accessible portals to support these initiatives was highlighted.
The 2nd Stakeholders' Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization aims to gather participants from five (5) regions across the Philippines. The goal is to define the country's current status on technology transfer and commercialization, identify complementing programs and projects to align with priorities, and identify potential partners and resources to ensure the sustainability of these programs and projects.
The forum anticipates producing a written recommendation for publishing a Philippine agenda on technology transfer and commercialization. It also aims to provide information to enhance, redirect, or redefine initiatives in line with technology transfer and commercialization.
Moreover, the forum seeks to increase the number of outputs and relevant outcomes, especially in regions that experienced a low turnout of participants during the 1st forum in CY 2022. Participants will include Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units, the Private Sector, and Academia.
The forum series, which began with a session for Region II on April 28, 2023, will continue with meetings for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region XI on June 8 and June 19, respectively. Date for Region VI is to be announced.
