Why Technology Transfer?

The UK has a leading scientific record, investment in science and technology (S&T) is important for economic performance and competitive edge in the global market.

Benefits

Technology Transfer is a key part of ensuring the country’s investment in science generates the maximum benefits for the nation in the form of wider capability, jobs and prosperity.

The benefits to industry include access to technology that has often undergone significant development and proof of concepts to reduce risk when going to market.

Licencing allows a ‘pay-as-you-earn’ financial arrangement; the combined approach can deliver a shorter time to market for technologically enhanced products with strong intellectual property protection.

The Government’s metrics for assessing progress under the 2004 ten-year Investment Framework of Science and Innovation include: the number, quantity and value of intellectual property licenses and the quantity and economic value of spin-outs.

Ploughshare carries out technology transfer activities on behalf of Dstl, generating licensing income and spin-outs from Dstl’s intellectual property.