By Sharah Ibrahim
Continuing the dialogue, the 2nd Stakeholders’ Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization was successfully held on June 23, 2023, engaging a diverse array of key contributors from the CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region).
A knowledgeable presentation by Ms. Sherida Mae M. Cachero, Sup. Economic Development Specialist, NEDA-CAR, provided participants with an informative overview of the country's technology transfer and commercialization landscape.
Afterwards, Ms. Janice W. Cornel, Planning Officer III of DOST-TAPI, presented the agency's initiatives on technology innovation, development, transfer, and commercialization.
Similar with forums in other regions, the event featured an engaging group workshop where participants identified a range of concerns, discussed potential solutions, and suggested progressive programs.
IDEATION AND PROTECTION
In terms of primary concerns, stakeholders identified the upcoming expiration of technologies registered under Utility Models, a need for more intellectual property (IP) protection awareness, an interest in regional investors in line with R&D outputs, and a call for adequate facilities and equipment for functional prototypes.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
The forum spotlighted limited funding and a gap in knowledge about proposal preparation as prevalent challenges in academia. Local government units highlighted the need for technical skill enhancement and better access to academia's R&D results. Meanwhile, private industry/MSMEs shed light on high licensing costs for technologies, a lack of awareness about available technologies, and an inclination towards traditional production methods. To address equipment deficiencies, RLAs suggested setting up shared facilities or innovation centers in every province.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION
A range of issues was spotlighted in this section, from the need for better facilities and equipment for academia's R&D to streamlined processes and consistent funding for LGUs. The private sector focused on high royalty fees and after-sales service quality, while RLAs brought attention to the lack of market for developed products and overlapping projects among implementing agencies.
PROMOTION AND UTILIZATION
The LGUs recognized the importance of partnering closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to monitor commercialized technologies in the region. Private industry participants expressed a desire for clearer target markets for their technologies, revealing that their products are chiefly purchased overseas. Current promotional strategies, including trade fairs and social media platforms, received positive feedback for effectiveness.
The stakeholders' forum continues to serve as a valuable platform for various sectors to express their concerns and offer inputs on the national agenda for technology transfer and commercialization.
The collaborative outcomes from the forum will inform policy and strategic planning, strengthening the Philippines' innovation ecosystem and technology development and commercialization capacities.
