Technology on the Move:Federal Laboratories are Open for Business

Morna PatersonFederal Partners in Technology Transfer

October 2004

S&T for the New Century

• Transfer of knowledge and technology is an explicit objective of federal S&T

• SBDAs will develop strategies for promoting partnerships and collaborations with industry and academia

• SBDAs will take measures to improve access to their facilities

• SBDAs will share scientific information and data with other Canadian researchers

Federal Partners in Technology Transfer Initiative

• 16 science-based departments and agencies working in collaboration to enhance professional capacity in technology transfer (over 120 research labs / $2 billion in R&D)

• Our vision sees Canada as a world leader in enhancing its socio-economic condition through the commercial exploitation of publicly-funded technology.

FPTT Objectives

• To promote public awareness of federal technology transfer activities.

• To assist in the development of a government wide infrastructure and policies and programs which encourage technology transfer, particularly to smaller Canadian companies.

• To address horizontal issues of common concern related to technology transfer and exploitation

• To provide a forum to exchange model practices and to build partnerships

What FPTT Offers SMEs

• Technologies, business opportunities and expertise • Federal lab facilities, programs and services• Technology transfer information and internet

resources• Intellectual property management tools• IP Legislation and policies

What FPTT Offers SMEs ( cont’d)

• Federal and provincial assistance programs• Other organizations involved in technology transfer

world wide• Success stories• Upcoming events, conferences and seminars

Factors Associated with Successful Technology Transfer

• High level support for technology transfer activities in both the originating and adopting organization; 

• Strong entrepreneurial attitudes among federal personnel; 

• Technology transfer champions in both organizations; 

• Technology to be transferred could be adopted/utilized incrementally;

Success Factors ( cont’d)

• Technology has the potential for diverse market applications;

• Low level of government "red‑tape" and bureaucratic rules;

• Existence of an incentive system for government scientists.

Examples of Successful Technology Transfer

• National Research Council Canada / Department of Justice Canada / Capital Laser Inc..

• Defence R&D Canada-Valcartier / Bristol Aerospace Limited / SNC Technologies Inc.

• National Research Council Canada / Ionalytics Corporation / MDS Sciex

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / RMS Research Management Systems Inc. / Canadian Cattlemen’s Association / Canadian Meat Council

Policies and Acts

• Public Servants Inventions Act, 1973• Retention of Royalties and Fees from the Licensing

of Crown-Owned IP, TB Policy 1993• Award Plan for Inventors and Innovators, TB Policy

1993• Title to IP Arising Under Crown Procurement

Contracts, TB Policy 1991, revised 2000.

Conclusion – Federal Labs Are Open For Business – Let’s Make A Deal!

For More Information on Federal Labs and Technology Transfer

FPTT Executive Office1200 Montreal Road, Building M-55Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6

Tel: 613.998.5244Fax: 613.998.8768

Email: fptt@fptt-pftt.gc.caWebsite: http://www.fptt-pftt.gc.ca