“Transfer is a matter of conviction, will and work”
We interviewed Salvador Mena, Head of Technology and Knowledge Commercialisation at the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation of the University of Barcelona.
With him we talk about the importance and benefits of the transfer of technology and knowledge by research staff, the main challenges that will be presented in the future, as well as those aspects that must be kept in mind by Teaching and Research Staff (PDI) newbie who wants to start transferring.
Why is it important for researchers to transfer their technology or knowledge?
We believe that transfer is a way of getting additional output from the research results that research staff carry out. It is a further dimension of what universities are expected to do: to harness the application of these results to contribute to social welfare, economic progress and social cohesion.
What benefits can research staff derive from the transfer?
The experience accumulated over all these years tells us that the benefits go in different directions. Mainly, benefits in the form of both human resources (personnel for our team) and economic resources; economic resources that can be reinvested in the research they are doing. There are also benefits from the team’s point of view, for example, it provides opportunities for students to find different career paths. In addition, it enriches their knowledge of other disciplines in the business environment and gives them an insight into the market, which is also applicable to the teaching activity.
Is it transferable in all areas of knowledge?
Yes, it can be transferred to all areas of knowledge. If we manage to find an application in research, it will certainly be transferable. We are driven by the generation of new knowledge and this knowledge can provide value in different environments, both social and economic. Transfer is a question of conviction, will and work.
Do you encounter more difficulties in transferring in the humanities and social sciences?
We usually find it more difficult in social sciences and humanities disciplines, but we are getting there. We see that there is knowledge that can be of value and transferable in other environments. For example, a methodology generated in an education project can be of application and value in a health project, such as the education of patients, health personnel, etcetera.
Why is it difficult to transfer to the humanities and social sciences?
There are several factors, such as the lack of dynamics or inertia in the approach of the business world (or the receiving institutions) to the university. In the humanities, on many occasions, the receiving unit of the transfer is the public administration and it is difficult to reach agreements with them. However, I think we are doing a good job. It is a question of time.
What is the key to getting a good agreement when negotiating R&D projects?
It is essential to listen well to the other party, identify their interests, and then make the best proposal you have. In the field of transfer, a good agreement is to reach a fair agreement, where the benefits (qualitative and quantitative) obtained by both parties are shared and comparable. A good agreement is not one that leaves you happy at the moment of signing, but one that you are happy when you reach the end of the process and fulfil your commitments.
What should newer IDPs who want to start transferring keep in mind?
First of all, they should bear in mind that it is possible to start small. It is not necessary to set up a spin-off to begin with. We can start gradually to gain confidence and gain the trust of the environment and the entities that will be our partners. Secondly, you need to know that there are structured transfer channels. A patent has a specific methodology, as do university-business collaborations. And thirdly, they must trust the staff of the transfer offices. We are experts in this field and we look after the interests of the research group and the institution.
What are the most relevant aspects that differentiate technology transfer at the University of Barcelona?
Almost all universities have structured channels for generating and licensing patents and creating spin-offs, but one of the distinguishing features of technology and knowledge transfer at the University of Barcelona is its consolidated tradition of university-business collaborations. Our international counterparts are surprised when we show them the figures and explain that each year we sign between 600-700 contracts with companies. The other point to highlight is that not all universities carry out transfer in the humanities and social sciences.
What are the main challenges when it comes to transfer?
In the field of patents, the challenge is to find the right fit between the asset we generate and protect and the company’s strategy. In the area of collaboration with companies, the difficulty is the match between the company’s need and the cost of the innovative proposal we make. Often, companies are interested in the project that we propose, but they are a bit slowed down when we tell them the cost and the resources that are mobilised.
What is the future of transfer at the UB?
With the generational renewal that is taking place in the UB’s teaching and research staff, the future looks like a new period of opportunity. If we have good talent, if we continue to do good research and if we know what society needs, knowledge transfer will become part of the natural activity of new knowledge.
More about… Salvador Mena
The best invention in history?
The refrigerator.
What would you like to see in the future?
That people would be aware of the importance of what they have in their hands, of being able to get more out of the things we have at our fingertips.
One future development that scares you?
Social networks and the impact they have on the new generations.
A point of reference?
I don’t have an ideal figure as a point of reference, but I do have a mix of different relevant people who have accompanied me in my professional life.
What could be done to achieve equality between men and women?
Awareness and work by everyone. We must all play a role in putting an end to these inequalities.
The Bosch i Gimpera Foundation is important…
For improving the social welfare and economic development of our society.