TPG-24 FINAL REPORT 20131. Technology Transfer from University to Industry (Case Study)2. Developing School of Entrepreneurship in NEDUET

Submitted By

Muhammad Adnan CE-093Ashraf Hussain CE-086Nauman Ashraf CE-138WalidKalhoro CE-139

NED University of Engineering & Technology Karachi

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Table of Contents

I Abstract --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

1.1 Project Title -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31.2 Objectives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31.3 Scope ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31.4 Methodology -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31.5 Significance of Topic --------------------------------------------------------------------------------41.6 Project Timeline --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

2. Literature Review -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------53. Methodology ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

3.1 Literature Review ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------83.2 Need/Gap Analysis of Tech Transfer in NEDUET ---------------------------------------------83.3 School of Entrepreneurship -----------------------------------------------------------------------93.4 Conclusion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

4. Study Design ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------104.1 Questionnaire design ------------------------------------------------------------------------------104.2 Data Collection Methodology --------------------------------------------------------------------104.3 Data Analysis -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

5. Data Analysis ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------115.1 Technology Transfer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------115.2 Entrepreneurship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19

6. Case Studies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------266.1 Dr. Shoaib H. Ahmed --------------------------------------------------------------------------------276.2 Dr. M Ali Ismail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29

7. Developing School of Entrepreneurship -------------------------------------------------------------317.1 Definition -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------317.2 Objectives ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------317.3 Expectations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------317.4 Elements & Functions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------327.5 Resources Needed -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------327.6 Organizational Structure ---------------------------------------------------------------------------33

8. Conclusions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40

9. Appendix (Questionnaire) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------41

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ABSTRACT

There is a unfilled gap and bridge between Industry and University in terms of technology transfer and commercialization in Pakistan, resulting in the wastages of research work that is produced locally. Industry is also suffering from stagnation due to its innovation resistance attitude in Pakistan. Technology transfer offices normally exist in Universities all over the world, but not in Pakistan. So we specifically target NEDUET to find out its need of technology transfer office. To realize the need of technology transfer office in NEDUET we have recommend to build an office that will have enough resources to help students and faculty members of NEDUET to transfer their researches, knowledge and technologies to industry successfully. Incorporating technology transfer office in School of Entrepreneurship (SoE) is a great blend of technology and business incubation in NEDUET. Business incubators are the places to nurture and empower next generation entrepreneurs. All over the world universities have built their incubation centers to trained and nurture entrepreneurial spirits in their students. Feeling the need of business incubator in NEDUET to produce the engineers that are also well equipped with tools and are able to create jobs, we have proposed the NED School of Entrepreneurship. We have proposed all the essential components including resources, key elements, collaborations and organizational structure for NED SoE.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Titles

1. Technology Transfer from University to Industry - Case Studies2. Developing a School of Entrepreneurship at NED University

1.2 Objectives

To perform the need analysis of technology transfer/commercialization Office in University.

To propose the infrastructure & working structure for the NED School of Entrepreneurship in addition with Technology Transfer Office.

1.3 Scope (Limitations)

The project will only carry the need (gap) analysis of technology transfer in the NEDUET. The scope of data collection for tech transfer & school of entrepreneurship will only be

limited to NEDUET (Not industry/any University ) The project will propose infrastructure, elements and resources that will be needed for

establishing NED School of Entrepreneurship. The project is not liable to any physical establishment of NED School of

Entrepreneurship. The project is not responsible for establishing collaboration with different organizations

and institutions that are required (needed) for establishment of NED School of Entrepreneurship.

1.4 Methodology

Literature review Need identification of Technology transfer/School of Entrepreneurship in NED University

Questionnaire Designing Data Collection Data Analysis Interviews with Faculty Member

Developing School of Entrepreneurship School of Entrepreneurship (Definition) Elements and Functions of NED SoE (School of Entrepreneurship) Resources required for NED SoE Organizational Structure for NED SoE

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Final Conclusions &Report Writing

1.5 Significance of Topic

The project study has identified the gap between current statuses (knowledge, need) of NED University to the desired state (Established School of Entrepreneurship & Tech Transfer).

The establishment of NED School of Entrepreneurship will result in developing the entrepreneurial culture in University and transforming our engineering graduates to technopreneurs.

The current tech transfer/commercialization scenario and need identification can help NEDUET to take certain concrete measures to fill this gap.

The establishment of NED School of entrepreneurship and tech transfer office in NED would be beneficial from industrial point of view also.

1.6 Project Timeline

Tasks February March April

Topic StudyLiterature ReviewQuestionnaire Designing

Data CollectionData AnalysisInterviewsFinal Report

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2.LITERATURE REVIEW

Innovation will drive the competitiveness of our (UK) businesses in the global economy. Intechnology-based sectors, research is a primary driver of innovation, and research canalso discover and exploit new technologies, sometimes giving rise to new industries. In other sectors the rapid adoption of technologies and the development of intangible assets are essential to innovate, sometimes transforming existing industries (UK Industry; December 2011). According to them innovation is the prime factor in the success of their businesses. As we know the Universities and research centers are knowledge producers and Industry is the knowledge consumer, so there must be a roadmap through which the new researches, knowledge and technologies get into the market, the process we normally called as Technology Transfer Phenomena or Commercialization.Technology transfer is devising ways to deliver research and developments to common people. Methodology that can be adopted in achieving such task may include publications, conferences and integral relationship with industries and its pivotal players. This process is verified under the authorities of professionals, research foundations and businesses. Time taken to complete technology transfer depends upon progress of the technology itself and industry’s current situation in lieu of accepting such invention or research1.

Things that are taken care during the course of technology transfer include licensing, development of business and associated legal matters.

Concerning the process by which an idea can lead its way from the mind of an academician to a common man through different channels will include.

1. Highlighting useful discoveries and inventions in the result of research.2. A preliminary assessment in association with Licensing Office to study pros and cons of

invention or discoveries.3. A tangible written notice stating the legitimacy and appraisal of the invention by

licensing office, at this point the secrecy of the invention is void and invention is made public.

4. Assessment succeeds, Licensing Office analyzes market and technologies and sort out plausible commercialization potentials.

5. Legalities are carried out to protect the invention and research contents by filing patents applications through patent office and any other protection needed.

6. After the legitimizing the invention, means are developed to introduce the invented commodity in current market scenario. In this regard the Licensing Office bridges the gap between researcher and various companies by acquainting themselves.

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7. At this point road heads two-way, in lieu of the invention a new business is intended to start then measure are taken accordingly. However if a mergence suffices the invention commercialization, steps are taken accordingly.

8. Licensing is carried out regarding the invention details and rights are set forward for all the parties that are accessory to the contract.

9. Product is developed on commercial scale.10. Revenues are generated.

In Korea major obstacles to overcome during the process of technology transfer include insufficient funds, lack of support tools and skills available at early stages of inventing/research process.Government’s policies can influence the expansion of funds generation and supportive tools required in developing product as result of research and invention.

Rapid developments within industries asked for reciprocal advancement within the technology management system. In lieu of such observations a bridge connecting the innovator and researches to industry was inevitable and resultantly an organization named Korea Technology Transfer Center was established in 2000, this act resulted and economic spurt within Korean industry.

KTTC2 and Korean government work systematically in way to extract plausible technology that may add up to the country’s economy. Source identification is that job of KTTC and Korean Government duty includes the possible transfers of particular innovation.

The literature iterates the importance on the development of a program focused upon “Leading the entrepreneurial University”3, because there are several examples of technologies, new inventions and patents that turns into most lucrative business. That entrepreneurial school/center will focus on transforming the new technologies into innovations by training the students in the field of entrepreneurship and commercialization of products. An argument was put forward that there is a considerable potential for Universities to create link between many activities currently to be observed in the responses of individual institutions to the various challenges.

The paper states the need of entrepreneurial organization justifying through stated reasons; 1. Commercialization of intellectual property.2. Bringing all activities of a university and consolidating them to answer uncertainties and

complexities.3. Individual on a program faced with the transfer of learning into action and wide

organizational reflection will need to adapt the approach taken appropriately to the

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distinctive existing structure, organizational and leadership characteristics and values of the organization.

UK NCGE4 intends to develop entrepreneurship across all disciplines in all UK universities. The adopted methodology includes

1. Creation of widespread student awareness2. Building of understanding and motivation of key stakeholders.3. Development of staff capacities via an International Entrepreneurship Educators

Program (IEEP).4. Monitoring of practice and progress nationally and internationally to share with all

stakeholders.

An attempt is made to propose the School of entrepreneurship in NEDUET as such kind of schools and centers have been established all over the world to facilitate students in business incubation.

References

1. An Inventor’s Guide to Technology Transfer by MIT (Published in May 2005)2. Dr Young Roak Kim; Technology Commercialization in Republic of Korea3. Leading the Entrepreneurial University by Allan Gibb, Gay Huskin& Ian Robertson

(Published by University of Oxford In October 2009)4. NCGE , The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship5. Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Effective University-Industry

Relationships by Mr. RisaburoNezu, Chou Siaw Kiang, PrabuddhaGanguli, KrisnachindaNithad, Koji Nishio, Lydia G. Tansinsin, Hwa-Chom Yi, JiaYujian (World Intellectual Property Organization published in 2007)

6. Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills; “Innovation & Research Strategy for Growth” in December 2011

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3. METHODOLGY

We build the simple but efficient strategy to perform a project work according to the scope. We have divided our methodology into four broader work packages that needs to be done to deliver the end project.

Literature Review Need/Gap Analysis of Technology Transfer in NEDUET Developing School of Entrepreneurship Conclusion/Report writing

3.1 Literature Review

First we studied about our project topics and get an in-depth knowledge so as to understand our scope, limitations and also what we need to do in our context. By studying different articles and journals on technology transfer, commercialization process & model, business incubations, entrepreneurial centers etc. we developed our literature review and have got sound understanding of our project.

3.2 Need Identification of Technology Transfer Office in NEDUET

The basic objective behind finding this need analysis is to find out whether we (NEDUET) need a technology transfer office or not. We have subdivided this package into following tasks:

Questionnaire Designing Data Collection Data Analysis Interviews with Faculty Member

First of all we prepared a (very basic) questionnaire to know about the current status of knowledge about our topic in students and faculty and also know the need of technology office and SoE (School of Entrepreneurship).

For data collection we distributed our designed questionnaire (at least 15) questionnaires to different students of NED University (Mostly 3rd& 4th Year) and some of faculty member from any random department. They filledup questionnaire according to their best of knowledge and we will get our data through filled questionnaire.

Our survey target audience was consisted of two categories

Undergraduate Students (3rd , 4th Year) Faculty

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Faculty members of NEDUET who have worked in the field of technology transfer was the target peoples for interview to know about their scope of inventions/study, what option they choose for tech transfer, does they successfully transferred their technologies to industry, need of local (NEDUET) tech transfer office in NEDUET. All these questions can only be answered by those faculty members who have already been transferred their technologies/knowledge/researches to industry.

After collecting the data we have put data in our software (SPSS) to analyze, compare and correlate the data to get some concrete results and findings.

3.3 Developing School of Entrepreneurship

To develop school of entrepreneurship in NEDUET we adopted the following sequence to answer the essential components of school:

School of Entrepreneurship (Definition) Elements and Functions of NED SoE (School of Entrepreneurship) Resources required for NED SoE Organizational Structure for NED SoE

We need to find out the basic ingredients and elements of school which lays the foundation of SoE NEDUET. Then search about the required resources (major and minor) necessary for SoE, succeeding with proposed organizational structure for NED SoE.

3.4 Conclusion/Report Writing

Conclusion and report writing is followed by all the work done in whole project with recommendations and conclusion found in analysis and interviews.

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4. STUDY DESIGN

4.1 Questionnaire Design

We have design our questionnaire based on 20 short objective questions. The questionnaire has designed on very basic level as according to the current understanding of undergraduate level about tech transfer and School of Entrepreneurship. The questionnaire is attached in Appendix. There are some main features of questionnaire with relevant reasons:

The questionnaire is comprised of 20 questions, 10 from technology transfer domain and rest from School of Entrepreneurship area; this is because we are focusing equally on both topics and required a balance response for both topics.

The questionnaire comprised of two style of questions, included Yes/No, and multiple choice options questions, as we require the data for variable questions to analyze the current status of knowledge about technology transfer and school of entrepreneurship.

4.2 Data collection Methodology

We distributed at least 15 questionnaires to different students of NED University (Mostly 3rd& 4th Year) and some of faculty member from any random department. Then they will fill questionnaire according to their best of knowledge and we will get our data through filled questionnaire.

We took interview from faculty members who have already done some work in or related to technology transfer to get their precious views about our subject.

Survey Target Audience

Our survey target audience was consisted of two categories

Undergraduate Students (3rd , 4th Year) Faculty

Interview Target Audience

Our target audience for interview was:

Faculty member from any department of NEDUET (who have worked in technology transfer or have similar experience)

Data AnalysisWe analyzed our data using SPSS software. We have analyze each question and found out about the choices of peoples. We have not adopted the tool of correlating the answers in between.

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5. DATA ANALYSIS

5.1 Technology Transfer

“You are?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Student 30 90.9 90.9 90.9

Faculty 3 9.1 9.1 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

91%

9%

Red Color = Faculty Blue color = Students

During our survey total of 33 individuals were approached the distribution depicts that most of the individual had student background

“Do you know about technology transfer/commercialization”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 20 60.6 60.6 60.6

No 13 39.4 39.4 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

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61%

39%

YES NO

Out of 33 individuals 20 were aware of the fact that what Technology transfer is. While rest remained unaware.

“Have you heard of any technology transfer office in Pakistan?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 4 12.1 12.1 12.1

No 29 87.9 87.9 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

12%

88%

YES NO

Most of the individual approached had no clue whether there is a technology transfer office in Pakistan which amplifies the need for people to be aware

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“Do you feel any need of technology transfer office in NED University?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 25 75.8 75.8 75.8

No 8 24.2 24.2 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

76%

24%

YES NO

Every 3 out of 4 individuals were of the idea that there should be a technology transfer office in NED University

“Is there any technology transfer platform in Pakistan?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 6 18.2 18.2 18.2

No 27 81.8 81.8 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

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18%

82%

YES NO

Majority of the individuals approached were unaware of any technology transfer platform in Pakistan

“Have you invented any kind of technology that is transferable to industry?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 5 15.2 15.2 15.2

No 28 84.8 84.8 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

15%

85%

YES NO

Majority of the individuals had never invented, pointing out a grave need of giving incentive for innovation

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“Did your invented technology have transferred to industry successfully?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 3 9.1 9.1 9.1

No 30 90.9 90.9 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

9%

91%

YES NO

These numbers are alarming showing that there is no input from the academician to industry in terms of new technology

“Do you think the current research work scenario (engineering/technology) needs a platform for technology transfer?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 27 81.8 81.8 81.8

No 6 18.2 18.2 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

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82%

18%

YES NO

Majority supported the development of a Technology Transfer Platform

“Have your department worked for technology transfer?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 10 30.3 30.3 30.3

No 23 69.7 69.7 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

30%

70%

YES NO

Only 1/3 of the individuals believed that there respective department was improvising step fir Technology transfer

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“What would you do to transfer your invention/ technology to industry?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Inform to Department 10 30.3 30.3 30.3

Go to Industry 9 27.3 27.3 57.6

Go to exhibition 11 33.3 33.3 90.9

Don’t Know 3 9.1 9.1 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

30%

27%

33%

9%

Inform to Department Go to Industry Go to exhibition Don’t Know

Most of individuals believed that going to an exhibition and informing the department is the best way to transfer their innovation and research

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“What if NEDUET will not develop its own Technology Transfer Office, what will happen?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Waste of Research Work 12 36.4 36.4 36.4

Industry will not get Quality Research & Innovation?

16 48.5 48.5 84.8

Nothing Happens 5 15.2 15.2 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

36%

48%

15%

Waste of Research Work Industry will not get Quality Research & Innovation?Nothing Happens

Half of the people supported the idea that Industry will be cut off from Quality innovation and research if NEDUET doesn’t establish a technology transfer Platform

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5.2 Entrepreneurship

“Have you heard of entrepreneurship?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 19 57.6 57.6 57.6

No 14 42.4 42.4 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

58%

42%

YES NO

There was an almost 50/50 ratio among the individuals who had heard about Entrepreneurship

“What entrepreneurs actually do?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Managing business 9 27.3 27.3 27.3

Managing director of firm 8 24.2 24.2 51.5

Opportunity Seeker/ Innovator

16 48.5 48.5 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

20

27%

24%

48%

Managing business Managing director of firm Opportunity Seeker/ Innovator

50% individuals knew exactly what Entrepreneurship is, which in fact contradicts with the number 58% from the previous question, where individuals said that they has heard about it

“You are a_____________________ ?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Job Minded Person

14 42.4 42.4 42.4

Business Minded 15 45.5 45.5 87.9

Really Don’t know 4 12.1 12.1 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

42%

45%

12%

Job Minded Person Business Minded Really Don’t know

Majority of the individuals were Business minded, this reveals the dire need of an Entrepreneurship School which can polish them and improvise them to strive more and

achieve what they intend

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“Have you heard about any business incubator in Pakistan?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 4 12.1 12.1 12.1

No 29 87.9 87.9 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

12%

88%

YES NO

The unawareness of the individuals is rightly so as the concept of business incubator is quite peculiar and new in Pakistani context

“Do you know about School of Entrepreneurship/Business Incubator?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid Yes 15 45.5 45.5 45.5

No 18 54.5 54.5 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

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45%

55%

YES NO

These numbers contradicts the previous statistics however the unawareness still outweighs

“What option will you go for starting your business?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Business incubator 7 21.2 21.2 21.2

Find investor 12 36.4 36.4 57.6

Self investment 9 27.3 27.3 84.8

Really don’t know 5 15.2 15.2 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

21%

36%

27%

15%

Business incubator Find investor Self investment Really don’t know

Most of the individual believe finding an investor is the most feasible way to start their business which is quite difficult in times of monetary and economic constraints

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“Do we need business incubator in NEDUET?”

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 25 75.8 75.8 75.8

No 8 24.2 24.2 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

76%

24%

YES NO

Every 3 out of 4 individuals are of the idea that here is a need for a business incubator

“How should NEDUET provide help to promote entrepreneurship/ startups?”

Frequency

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

Establishing business incubators/ school of entrepreneurship

5 15.2 15.2 15.2

Conducting workshops/ business plan competition

13 39.4 39.4 54.5

Introducing subject of entrepreneurship 12 36.4 36.4 90.9

Really don’t know 3 9.1 9.1 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

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“NED should produce?”

Frequency

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

Engineers only 7 21.2 21.2 21.2

Technopreneur/ Engineering Entrepreneur

5 15.2 15.2 36.4

Both of above 21 63.6 63.6 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

21%

15%64%

Engineers only Technopreneur/ Engineering EntrepreneurBoth of above

Almost 2/3 of the individuals were of the idea that NEDUET should concentrate on producing Engineers cum Entrepreneur rather than just engineers

15%

39%

36%

9%

Establishing business incubators/ school of entrepreneurshipConducting workshops/ business plan competitionIntroducing subject of entrepreneurshipReally don’t know

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“Do you know about school of entrepreneurship in any university of Pakistan?”

Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative

Percent

Yes 8 24.2 24.2 24.2

No 13 39.4 39.4 63.6

Don't Know 12 36.4 36.4 100.0

Total 33 100.0 100.0

24%

39%

36%

Yes No Don't Know

Most individuals were unaware of any school developed in lieu of Entrepreneurship in any University of Pakistan

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6. CASE STUDIES

We have approached some of the faculty members of NEDUET who have already worked in the field of technology transfer or invent something. We have listed three faculty members to take an interview due to shortage of time, regarding their domain of work, platform of transferring technology, mode of transfer, their experienced with industry regarding technology commercialization. We have pleasure of taking an interview with 2 of faculty members of NEDUET named as:

Dr. Shoaib H. Ahmed (Faculty at Civil Department) Dr. Muhammad Ali Ismail (Faculty at CIS Department)

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6.1 Dr. Shoaib H. AhmedProfessor at Department of Civil Engineering NEDUET

Introduction & Domain of Work

Prof. Dr. Shoaib Ahmed has an extensive experience of 33 years in the area of research and development of civil engineering related materials, technologies, structural designing & Forensic Engineering. He remained the Chief Engineer at ACI (American Concrete Institute). He has also worked in the domain of technology transfer in foreign (USA) and also in Pakistan. He is a member of CMRG (Construction Material Research Group) committee worked for the commercialization of engineering materials in NEDUET.

Foreign Technology Transfer Experience

FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) is the material on which he has worked in USA. The research has been done in Industry Incubation Centre formed by the joint venture and interest of 10 Engineering & Science Universities. The main objective of IIC (Industry Incubation Centre) is to transfer/commercialize the newly born knowledge to industry by incubating the technologies and conducting research on them. Dr. Shoaib Ahmed has researched and transfers the FRP technology to the industry successfully through IIC.

Major Problems in the way of Tech Transfer Locally

Dr. Shoaib Ahmed has highlighted some of the main obstruction causing problems in the way of commercializing new research and technologies:

There is no proper roadmap developed to follow for tech transfer. Low co-ordination of Universities with Tech transfer Platforms/Organizations. Sufficient resources are not provided to Universities to facilitate the process of tech

commercialization. Innovation resistant attitude of industry. Unfortunately civil engineering researches & technologies took more than two decades

for the transfer and then the right adoption of that technology by industry.

Recommendations

Dr. Shoaib has suggested some measures that if taken can affect the present state of tech transfer in NEDUET:

There should be a centralized platform for technology transfer in the NED University to facilitate the faculty and students of all departments in transfer of their researches.

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Teacher to student ratio must be lessen in NEDUET so as to provide sufficient time to Professors, Engineers, Academicians to sit together with Industry to sort out the real need of industry and provide a roadmap for new technologies to get into Market by mutual interest.

The low teacher to student ratio also provide faculty to research and work on different areas of their domain along with their teaching career.

There must be sufficient interaction in between the Engineering & Science Universities of Pakistan to help grow each other and also establish some mutual Technology Incubation Centre where their researcher work and produce new knowledge to Industry.

Sufficient funding & resources must be provided to establish such kind of tech transfer offices in Universities.

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6.2 Dr. Muhammad Ali IsmailProfessor at Computer & Information System Department of NEDUET

Introduction & Domain Work

Dr. M Ali Ismail is a Professor at CIS department of NEDUET. He is also leading the IET Pakistan. He has more than 10 years of experience in Computer Science and privilege to work on different Projects with Industry in both public and private sector of Pakistan. His major focus of research is High Performance Computer and Computer Software’s. He has also done a case study on kESC system in 2004-05 and covert their system on ORACLE Database.

Research and Patent

He has recently got a US Patent and his area of work was “Cache Memory”. Cache (pronounced cash) memory is extremely fast memory that is built into a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), or located next to it on a separate chip. The CPU uses cachememory to store instructions that are repeatedly required to run programs, improving overall system speed.

Approach to Commercialization

His prime focus while doing research on Computer sciences is to serve the humanity and IT community, not thinking seriously to earn out of his invention. But to get his invention into market he directly approach to “INTEL” and also provides the information on Internet and Web market, so that if any organization wants to use or license his invention they can contact him.

Major Problems in Technology Commercialization

Dr. Ali Ismail has highlighted some reasons for the low rate of tech transfer in Pakistan:

Industry inflexibility and innovation resistant environment. Industry is not consuming the knowledge produced by local researchers and inventors,

this leads to slow performance & demotivation of inventors also. Our industry is more focused on recruiting developers (Computer & Software’s) rather

than researchers (who innovate new things)

Recommendations

Dr. M Ali Ismail has recommended some steps taken to improve and promote tech transfer process:

There must be sufficient consumption of new knowledge by Industry so as to awake and keep motivated researcher to work more deeply, creatively and innovatively.

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There should be a department level technology transfer office (decentralize platform) in NEDUET to facilitate faculty and students of particular department.

There must be engineering exhibition and strong linkages with industry to promote new knowledge and technologies.

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7. DEVELOPING SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

7.1 Definition

School of Entrepreneurship can be defined as an organized body/society/department/organization or any institute which help and provide all necessary support to generate entrepreneurial culture in society. It equips peoples with skills, attitude and knowledge required to not only start a business but to become a successful entrepreneur.

7.2 What is done at School of Entrepreneurship?

School of Entrepreneurship normally performs several works which are listed as:

School of Entrepreneurship combines a focus on educating the next generation of business founders and creative thinkers with a commitment to serving the business community.

It also provides undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship programs, leading edge collaborative endeavors and opportunities for funding new ventures.

It provides consulting, networking and small business incubators to help launch new endeavors.

It conducts different types of seminars, workshops, exhibition, business ideas competition, technical innovation competitions to polish the entrepreneurial skills of students.

7.3 Expectation from of NED School of Entrepreneurship

Expectations from NED School of Entrepreneurship are following:

It will provide the platform to the young minds, ideas of engineering students in order to establish and run successful ventures.

Provide them mentorship, guidance, and other technical, legal, business and financial help to launch their ventures.

To conduct different seminars, workshops on developing entrepreneurial skills, and knowhow of entrepreneurship.

To conduct business ideas competitions, technical business innovations competitions so that students can develop and enhance entrepreneurial skills, attitude in them.

To provide job opportunities to the engineering students as they have the contacts with various existing and new entrepreneurs who are in need of new engineers.

It will also provide funding to new potential ventures.

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7.4 Elements and Functions of school of Entrepreneurship

Key elements of school of entrepreneurship are: To provide experimental ground to the students, to enhance their entrepreneurship and

technical innovation capabilities. To develop some of the most required skills on the global scale, such as leadership,

creativity, strong market analysis skill etc. To turn the ideas of students into successful social enterprises contributing in the social

uplifting.

Functions of School of Entrepreneurship are:

Help with business basics Networking activities Marketing assistance Helping in accounting/financial management Access to bank loans, loan funds and guarantee programs Developing entrepreneurial skills Links to higher education resources Links to strategic partners Access to angel investors or venture capitalist Comprehensive business training programs Advisory boards and mentors Technology commercialization assistance Help in legal/regulatory compliance of business Intellectual property management

7.5 Resources needed to establish NED School of Entrepreneurship

We may need following resources to establish a successful NED School of Entrepreneurship: We need the infrastructure building big enough to accommodate all departmental staff

of School of Entrepreneurship. We need sound funding to establish the infrastructure and good intention from higher

authorities. We need the staff equipped with entrepreneurial tools, skills and knowledge. Skills such

as creativity, leadership, foresightedness, strong interpersonal skills. We need the material from paper to pen and machinery like computers, printers, Wi-Fi

connection so that our staff can work.

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Pro-Vice III

Board Of Advisors

Business Venture Development Head

Industrial Liason Head

Event Management Head Controller Head

Also the support resources are as follows:

A strong management board with advisory groups Involvement of related governmental agencies Involvement of the local private sector including businessmen, entrepreneurs,

industrialist, investors etc. Links to other Entrepreneurial Societies, Business Incubators, Seed accelerators Availability of related peoples who serve in School of Entrepreneurship. Continuing programs for improving management skills of School of Entrepreneurship

staff

We also need the services of following professionals:

Attorneys Marketing specialists Venture capitalists Academic researchers/professors Experienced entrepreneurs Technology specialists Insurance professionals

7.6 Organizational Structure of NED School of Entrepreneurship

Pro-Vice III (Head of School of Entrepreneurship)

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Business Venture Development Head

Financial Managemen

t Head

Marketing Head

Legal/Patents/IP

Management Head

R & D /Product

Development Head

Entrepreneurial Mentors

He will be the head of the school of entrepreneurship and his key responsibilities may include but not limited to;

He has the authority to take all major strategic decisions of school of entrepreneurship. He will be responsible for taking recommendations, advices and support from the board

of advisors. He will look after all the departments and take necessary steps to improve and develop

school. He is responsible to answer about all the matters of school to the Vice Chancellor of the

NED University.

Board of Advisors

They comprised of industrialists, businessmen, entrepreneurs and business icons and academicians. The prime responsibilities of the board of directors may include:

They will provide relevant suggestions to the Pro-Vice III on the development and ongoing operations of school of entrepreneurship.

They provide the bridge in between industry and academics by their own efforts. They will guide the school about the latest industry needs and trends of industry. They will help school in getting funding/sponsorships from industry and also they will

support the school within the circle of their influence.

Business Venture Department

The department aims to provide all the necessary support, training, skills required to launch a ventures starting from the design stage of product to the final stage of launching.

Financial Management

To develop the financial strategic plan for school of entrepreneurship. To provide students the financial understanding of business, like accounting, financial

regulations, taxes, duties, subsidies etc.

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It will help students in developing their financial plan of business including financial forecasting and other aspects.

It can allocate/invest budget to the low budget business ideas.

Required Skills

The skills need to work in this department include,

Solid understanding of financial management Cash inflow and outflow Analyzingand forecasting the financial events, Concept of valuation Investment in business ventures Businessfinancial regulations and environment.

Marketing Management

Key responsibilities of marketing department include but not limited to:

Helps students in developing their business marketing plan, strategies according to their ideas and products.

They are responsible for building positive and clear image of school of entrepreneurship in the NED University and outside it.

Keeping an eye on current business trends and opportunities and helping students accordingly.

Required Skills

Knowledge of marketing concepts, plans and strategies Understanding of market demand, and market research Analyzing consumer demand Building the brand image Understanding of services business

Legal/Patents/IP Management

It will help in developing the legal structure of the business of students It will help in protecting the copyrights, trademark, and all other legal rights of business. It will help students in gaining the patents against any unique product or invention It will also safeguard the intellectual properties of students.

Required Skills

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Indutrial Liaison Head

Industrial/Organizatioal/ Government Networking Team Industrial Funding/Sponsorship

The person should have following skills and knowledge:

The person must have some kind of law background and practice. Knowledge of business registration, legal frame of business. Patents copyrights knowledge. Good understanding of protecting copyrights, trademarks of business and products.

R & D /Product Development Head

It will help in building the commercial prototype of engineering projects, innovations and inventions.

In a nutshell it will create value to the engineering projects of students by doing research and through industrial funding.

Required Skills

Must have strong engineering knowledge. Understanding of building commercial shapes and prototypes of different engineering

projects. Strong research and analytical skills

Entrepreneurial Mentors

Establish and maintain contact with the entrepreneur Develop an intimate understanding of the entrepreneur's enterprise operations Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the entrepreneur's business Mentor the budding entrepreneurs through problem-solving and decision-making

alternatives. To build an understanding of business in real life situation under an experienced

entrepreneurs. To provide contacts, networking opportunities with businessmen, investors and other

potential peoples.

Required Skills

The guiding mentor should be an entrepreneur or business person. Willing to share his experiences and guide to the next generation entrepreneurs. Must have credible name in business industry.

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Event Management Head

Marketing/Media Team

Finance/Sponsorship Team

Volunteer Management Team

Industrial liaison department

The department aims to act as a bridge between academics and outside world. Liaison officer would be responsible for ensuring communication and cooperation

between two or more entities. Liaison officer could deal with any "people" issues in a positive manner, respond to

complaints and address concerns and work to establish accommodation needs.

General Skills Required

Good interpersonal skills Must have strong networking skills Confident and well educated

Event Management Department

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This department aims to provide awareness, teaching and training to the students through different seminars, workshops, events, competitions etc. This department will enhance the capabilities, confidence and skills of students which help them in developing entrepreneurial mindset.

Marketing/Media Team

Marketing the event through social media Marketing in other universities Designing pamphlets/posters for Event Developing/Submitting online/by hand registration forms. Inviting the media editors/reporters to the event

Required Skills

Must know how to establish marketing/promotional strategies for an event. Understanding the need of customer. Ability to build an attractive posters, pamphlets and promotional material of an event to

attract peoples.

Finance/Sponsorship Team

Budget drafting, estimating cost of the event and ROI Deciding event ticket price Gaining the financial sponsorship from industry Managing cash inflow and outflow

Required Skills

Strong negotiation/convincing skills Understanding of financial matters Knowledge of event cost estimation and activity estimation

Volunteer Management Team

This team will recruit volunteer for different required purposes, aiming to equip students with the event organizing skills. The main tasks of volunteers are:

Catering services (providing foods/refreshment, cold drinks, tea etc. Audio and visual display services (Microphones, Portable Sound System, Projectors,

TV/VCR, Screens, Projectors and Cameras etc.)

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Decoration of event (decoration of stage, hall, seating arrangement) Customer services (Providing customer care services to participants, guests, security)

Required Skills

Must be willing to work voluntarily Learning and contributing attitude Self-motivated and confident For recruiting team, knowledge of HR is must

Controller Department

There prime responsibilities include but not are limited to:

They will be responsible for integrating all the departments and administration issues. They will be responsible for recording all the documents. They will arrange the meetings of board of advisors with Pro-Vice III and other resource

peoples.

Required skills

Good in paper works and documentation record. Communication skills including writing skills must be good. Computer literacy is essential

There are some recommendations regarding future plans of school of entrepreneurship which include:

We will establish a research department and his responsibility will be to conduct detail research on entrepreneurial studies in engineering universities and in Pakistan and also bout other aspects of entrepreneurship.

On later stages we will also introduced the subject/subjects of entrepreneurship at undergraduate level as a compulsory course to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and skills in students.

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8. CONCLUSIONS

“Silicon Valley”, “Rt. 128” and “Research Triangle” have become familiar terms throughout the country and the world. This is because of their impact on the world and recognition as an entrepreneurial, technology and innovation hub of globe. There is no doubt that university technology transfer and commercialization activities doimpact local, national and international economies. University technology transfer and commercialization are complex processes. They involve licensing inventions or starting up enterprises based on the universities’ research. Research and development (R&D) resources, infrastructure, seed capital, entrepreneurial incentives and culture, university-industry enablers, intermediary facilitators, and leadership – political, academic and corporate – are just some of the inputs involved in shaping effective processes.

Our study about the technology transfer from University to Industry and developing school of entrepreneurship has leaded us to some of very interesting conclusion, these include following:

Our University has needed a solid platform to transfer the technologies & newly researches to Industry successfully, facilitating faculty and students both.

Students have not so much knowledge about technopreneurship and technology commercialization indicating they need awareness.

Our data is informing us that most of the students and faculty is in favor of establishing tech transfer office in NEDUET.

There is an unawareness of the individuals about business incubation, and is rightly so as the concept of business incubator is quite peculiar and new in Pakistani context.

Every 3 out of 4 individuals are of the idea that here is a need for a business incubator

Recommendations

We have recommended some steps after our study and analysis of status quo of NEDUET about tech transfer and business incubation, these include following;

University needs to define a roadmap (Strategies, goals, activities, collaborations) for the commercialization of engineering innovations.

Knowing the current status of entrepreneurial awareness in University, there is a need of Center that will nurture entrepreneurial spirits, knowledge and provide incubation to business minded engineers.

We have proposed the NED School of Entrepreneurship, its objective, functions, resources required, and organizational structure.

There will be strong coordination and collaboration in between technology transfer office and School of Entrepreneurship so that one can patent his technology and start a technology spinoff enterprise or whatever suits him.

Appendix (Questionnaire)

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1. Do you know about technology transfer/ commercialization? Yes No

2. Have you heard of any technology transfer office in Pakistan? Yes No

3. Do you feel any need of technology transfer office in NED University? Yes No

4. Is there any technology transfer platform in Pakistan? Yes No If yes please mention _______________________

5. Have you invented any kind of technology that is transferable to industry? Yes No If yes please mention _______________________

6. Did your invented technology have transferred to industry successfully? Yes NoIf yes please mention ____________________________7. Do you think the current research work scenario (engineering/technology) needs a platform for technology transfer? Yes NoIf yes, then How? _________________________________

8. Have your department worked for technology transfer? Yes No If yes please mention _______________________

9. What would you do to transfer your invention/ technology to industry? Inform to Department Go to Indus`try Go to exhibition Don’t know

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10. What if NEDUET will not develop its own Technology Transfer Office, what will happen? Waste of Research Work Industry will not get Quality Research & Innovation? Nothing Happens

11. Have you heard of entrepreneurship? (Please be truthful) Yes No

12. What entrepreneurs actually do? Managing business Managing director of firm Opportunity Seeker/ Innovator Run a Shop/superstore

13. You are a_____________________ ? Job Minded Person Business Minded Really Don’t know

14. Have you heard about any business incubator in Pakistan? Yes

NoIf yes please mention ____________________________15. Do you know about School of Entrepreneurship/Business Incubator?

Yes No

16. What option will you go for starting your business? Business incubator Find investor Self-investment Really don’t know

17. Do we need business incubator in NEDUET? Yes No 18. How should NEDUET provide help to promote entrepreneurship/ startups? Establishing business incubators/ school of entrepreneurship Conducting workshops/ business plan competition Introducing subject of entrepreneurship Really don’t know

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19. NED should produce? Engineers only Technopreneur/ Engineering Entrepreneur Both of above

20. Do you know about school of entrepreneurship in any university of Pakistan? Yes (If yes please mention) No Don’t know