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| Technological Innovation - IRC - FAQ Frequently asked questions |
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What is an IRC?
What does technology transfer mean?
How does the IRC spread the offers of and requests for technology?
Can the IRC provide help to arrange meetings with enterprises in other European countries?
Can European funding be obtained through the IRC?
Can the IRC assist in commercial transactions and marketing?
What information is there about legal aspects and the protection of know-how in technology transfer?
Aspects of financing Innovation in technology transfer
Does the IRC network operate with all kinds of technology?
Can the IRC assist in transferring technology outside Europe?
What is an IRC?
It is a European network made up of 68 relay centres, whose mission is to facilitate the transfer of innovative technology to and from European enterprises and research centres. This network of Innovation Relay Centres has become the leading network in the promotion of technological cooperation and in technology transfer, mainly between SMEs. These centres are managed by staff with knowledge of the technological and economic profile of the enterprises and regions in which they are located.
What does technology transfer mean?
Technology transfer from one country to another is achieved when an organisation or enterprise makes its innovative technology available to another enterprise or organization. This can take the form of a licensing agreement, a "joint venture" agreement, a manufacturing agreement and/or a marketing agreement with technical back-up. The role of the IRC is to increase the capability of its clients to undertake the technology transfer, to audit their technological requirements, to find the appropriate technologies and/or partners and to support its clients through all the steps of the technology transfer process, for example by assisting hem in the negotiation process or advising them on matters of know-how protection or financing for innovation.
How does the IRC spread the offers of and requests for technology?
All the IRCs are linked together by means of an effective Internet-based system called Business Bulletin System (BBS), so that the Offers of and Requests for Technology can be quickly covered in the whole of Europe. A form that gathers all the obligatory information ensures that all necessary details are included, thus facilitating a balanced technological assessment. The system also ensures that it is only used by relevant organisations when they need to seek partners and/ or technologies.
Can the IRC provide help to arrange meetings with enterprises in other European countries?
The IRCs regularly organise transnational missions and brokerage events for their clients. Based on the information provided by clients, IRC staff pre-arrange meetings, make travel and accommodation arrangements and generally facilitate the progress of the technology transfer. These translational activities are usually addressed to a specific industrial sector.
Can European funding be obtained through the IRC?
IRCs also act as guides for enterprises that seek assistance in the R& D Framework Programme of the European Union, redirected, if necessary, to the National Contact Points (NCPs). IRCs will also help enterprises in the exploitation of their results obtained in European R&D projects.
Can the IRC assist in commercial transactions and marketing?
IRCs provide support for marketing of a technology and/or the know-how under the pre-requisites that only affect innovative products and that take place in some cases of technical collaboration between transferring enterprises and/or research institutes. IRCs do not provide support or help in the sale of products.
What information is there about legal aspects and the protection of know-how in technology transfer?
IRCs can provide help on basic aspects of protection of Intellectual Property Rights. When necessary, they will send on inquiries to experts on the subject matter, for example to the Intellectual Property Rights helpdesk: http://www.cordis.lu/ipr-helpdesk) or to patent attorneys. In the same way, help will also be provided in cases of legal and contractual aspects in transnational technology transfer processes.
Aspects of financing Innovation in technology transfer
IRCs can provide assistance on basic aspects of financing for innovation. When necessary, they will send on inquiries to experts on the subject matter (for example to the LIFT helpdesk: http://www.cordis.lu/lift) or to venture capital.
Does the IRC network operate with all kinds of technology?
Yes, IRCs provide support in all industrial and technological sectors.
Can the IRC assist in transferring technology outside Europe?
Not usually, although there are always exceptions to the rule! For instance, IRCs do not cover technology transfers to and from the U.S.A. Nevertheless, the IRC scheme includes the E.U., the new associated nations, Iceland, Israel, Norway and Switzerland. In any case, present your case to us.
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