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Published: 05 May 2023

By Sharah Ibrahim

2^nd Stakeholders’ Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization

The 2nd Stakeholders' Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization aims to gather participants from five (5) regions in the Philippines to define the country's current status on technology transfer and commercialization, identify programs and projects to complement priorities and identify potential partners and resources to ensure the sustainability of the programs and projects.

The forum expects to produce a written recommendation for the publication of a Philippine agenda on technology transfer and commercialization and provide information to enhance, redirect, or redefine undertakings in line with technology transfer and commercialization.  Moreover, it intends to improve the number of outputs and relevant outcomes, particularly in regions with a low turnout of participants during the 1^st conduct of the forum in CY 2022. Participants include Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units, Private Sector, and the Academe.

Stakeholders in Region II Collaborate in a Virtual Forum during the First Leg of the 2^nd Stakeholders’ Forum on Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Stakeholders from Region II came together on April 28, 2023, for a virtual forum on technology transfer and commercialization.  The goal of the forum was to capture and receive consolidated outputs with consensus from the participants to form part in the aim to develop a Philippine agenda that would identify priority areas and gaps to support the need for innovation, commercialization, and promotion of local technologies in the country.

DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, shared her hopes forthe forum's outcomes. "We hope that this forum will provide tangible and intangible outputs, such as a written recommendation for the publication of a Philippine agenda on technology transfer and commercialization and information as a basis to enhance, redirect, or redefine the undertakings in line with technology transfer and commercialization," Atty. Decena said in her welcome remarks.

On the other hand, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. has urged various sectors in the country to take part in addressing the technology transfer and commercialization needs of the Philippines. In his keynote message at the forum, Dr. Solidum emphasized the importance of collaboration among Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units, the Private Sector, and the Academe to enhance the country's technology transfer landscape.

"I am confident that this second wave of stakeholders engagement will further improve our country's technology transfer landscape," Dr. Solidum said.

The forum’s discussion was officially started by Ms. Gina V. Dayag, Chief Economic Development Specialist of NEDA Region II by providing an overview of the country's technology transfer and commercialization landscape.  Afterward, Ms. Janice W. Cornel, Planning Officer III of DOST-TAPI, presented the agency's initiatives on technology innovation, development, transfer, and commercialization.

Some of the Identified Issues and Recommendations for Ideation, Protection, Development, Transfer, and Commercialization of Technologies

During the workshop, participants discussed ideation and protection, technology development, and tech transfer and commercialization issues and concerns.

For ideation and protection, it was found that there is limited awareness of intellectual property (IP) among SUCs and line agencies, and, the academe in remote areas need regular orientation on IP.  Recommendations include creating an IP policy for LGUs and a program for technology ideation and protection.

Regarding technology development, there is a need for more technology adopters and stronger industry linkages.  Private HEIs should provide IP training to teachers and students to increase the number of eligible proponents that could submit proposals in the future for approval. It is also important to increase awareness of funding programs beyond the DOST councils.

For technology transfer and commercialization, there is a need for standardization of documentary requirements to speed up the adoption/license agreement process.  In addition, the government should provide assistance to eligible groups/associations to encourage the adoption/commercialization of certain technology.  Shared Service Facilities require additional technology development and transfer, and a program on technology matching for MSMEs should be created.

It was also suggested to improve marketing strategies by establishing technology showrooms, taste test booths, and developing attractive packaging. The pricing points of the technology generators should provide economic benefits in terms of ROI and royalty fees.

DOST Region II Regional Director, Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, closed the forum by expressing her gratitude to everyone who made it possible and urged stakeholders to take note of the strategies and mechanisms discussed during the event.

The next forum will be held in Region XI on May 11, 2023, followed by Region XII on May 29, 2023, while the dates for CAR and Region XI are to be announced.