Do you know what a Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) is?
Do you know what an Office of Knowledge Transfer (OTC) is? Do you know the tasks it performs? Why are they important for universities and society in general?
A Knowledge Transfer Office (OTC) is a transcendental structure in the research and innovation system. These offices facilitate the transmission of knowledge generated by universities, research centers and other entities to society in general and also to the productive sector, with the aim of turning research results into practical solutions, innovations and products that improve people’s lives and business competitiveness.
The activity of the OTC must be aimed at establishing relations between the generators of knowledge in the field of R+D+I and the industrial sector and society, as well as obtaining economic and social results derived from the knowledge transfer.
The most prominent functions of an OTC are, for example, the protection of intellectual property, the commercialization of new technologies, the collaboration with companies in R&D&I projects and the creation of companies based on in knowledge (spin-offs).
These offices act as a bridge between the academic and industrial worlds, facilitating technology transfer agreements, patents and other forms of knowledge exploitation.
In addition, TBTs contribute to economic growth by promoting new businesses and creating skilled jobs. Their role is essential to ensure that investment in research has a tangible return, whether in the form of new products, innovative services or social improvements.
In summary, OTCs are a strategic element for the valorization of research and its impact on society, and they play a crucial role in the creation of an innovative and competitive ecosystem.
The FBG, more than four decades of transfer
The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) recognized, after an evaluation process, 111 entities as Knowledge Transfer Offices and they have become part of a register that accredits them as such. Among these entities is the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation (FBG), the knowledge transfer office of the University of Barcelona since 1983.
The FBG is a pioneer in the Spanish university system. He has been a key player in supporting research and innovation at the UB, and in promoting collaboration with the business world and with society.
Throughout the last four decades, the FBG has worked to transfer to society the results of the research carried out at the UB, either through contract research, the protection of the results of R+D+I, the creation of spin-offs or the commercialization of technologies, materials and licenses.
Its commitment to the promotion of research and the transfer of technology has contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the territory.