Knowledge management and transfer of technology applications...icabr2007

Knowledge management and

transfer of technology in the

application of biotechnology tools

for genetic improvement of beans

(Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Alfredo Romero S., Ma. Elena Morros y Delis Pérez

Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrícolas,

Venezuela

Paper presented in the 11th International Conference on Agricultural

Biotechnologies International Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology Research (ICABR)

Catholic University of Leuven, CEIS - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rutgers University,

Economic Growth Center, Yale University.

Ravello, Scala ( Italy ) July 26 – 29, 2007

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.inia.gov.ve/

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application

of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

• In January 2005 the execution of the project:

Application of biotechnological tools for the

genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus

sp) for higher production and grain quality,

was initiated in the framework of the

BID/FONACIT II Biotechnology program in

Venezuela.

• The objectives were to promote knowledge

sharing among farmers and researchers, to develop

technologies required by small farmers sector, and

strengthening of innovative methodologies for

transferring of biotechnological inputs.

1 2 3 4 5 6 A series of strategies and activities were

planned and executed, using:

1. Knowledge Management

2.and participant innovation action-

research,

3.Components:

1.networking,

2.R&D,

3.technology transfer and

4.strengthening of scientific and

technological capacities (institutional

and human)



aimed at creating an effective information and knowledge

flow between farmers, technicians and researchers.

1 2 3 4 5 6



Objectives

• To validate and strengthen instruments, resources and capacities in the establishment of communication flows among researchers of different institutions and other relevant actors (farmers, technicians, development officials and members of local communities) in order to stimulate their active participation in the development of technologies.

• Inducing and creating awareness and consciousness among different actors about the importance of information and knowledge sharing for transfer and diffusion of improved biotechnologies, and the creation of sustained communication networks in time and space.

Knowledge management and technology transfer

strategies aimed to integrate and synergize several

professional disciplines with the purpose of improving the

efficiency and competency of technological development

services offered by institutions, enterprises and ONGs to

their stakeholders

Sharing and exchanging of ideas, perceptions, problems

and possible solutions among participant actors

(researchers, technicians, change agents and final users) in

the planning and execution of concerted development

actions and processes.



• Participatory research and development has emerged as

an institutional innovation during the last 20 years in many

national agricultural research systems in Latin America, Asia

and Africa

• Public institutional R&D projects using participatory

methods now provide technical solutions amenable to

be adapted and adopted by local groups, help in the

improvement of production, reducing risks and costs

and increasing profits, since they become aware and value

first hand innovations and their advantages • In Venezuela there have been encouraging experiences in

the implementation of this approach in specific rural settings such as the highlands of Lara State in the central-western region





Methodology According to the terms of reference outlined by the

BID/FONACIT II Agricultural Biotechnology

project, there were planned and executed specific and

complementary activities for four components:

• Networking enhancement

• Biotechnology research and

development

• Human capital consolidation

• Technology transfer

Strategies • Induction of compromise and commitment of

the interinstitutional research team in

structuring, designing and sharing of

information, knowledge and purposes.

• Promotion and use of participatory innovation

instruments in the development of specific

research and technology transfer activities



• Establishment of a climate for the free flow

and access to information and knowledge

processed and generated in the research

process.

• Diffusion of principles and practices of

shared management tools to attain identical

behaviour and performance among research

participants in their linking efforts with target

audiences.





• Creation of the National Legume Grain

communication network, and construction

of a web site

• Human capital consolidation through

specialized training courses and in service

technological capacities



• Technology transfer activities included

planning and monitoring

workshops, training courses,

technical meetings and workshops

on specific topics, with participation

of researchers, technicians and farmers

involved with the project.

•Also production and editing

publications, videos and micros for

radio and TV broadcasting.



RESULTS --- Networks enhancement • Establishment of an interdisciplinary and

interinstitutional networked research team. 20

professionals of five different institutions (INIA, UCV,

UNESR, USB and DANAC), including specialists in

plant breeding, plant pathology, agricultural

biotechnology, bioinformatics, food and science

technology and technology transfer.

• Five planning, M&E workshops (with duration of two

days), allowing knowledge sharing and revision of

advancement in research objectives.

• A permanent information flow and exchange through

email was maintained, facilitating the follow up

• After several informal meetings with other researchers, technicians and farmers in different areas and localities in the country, in 2006 it was created the Edible Grain Legumes National Network, with an initial membership of 75 actors, including 26 researchers, 25 technicians, 10 extension officers and 14 farmers leaders of cooperatives or farmers associations.

• 5 regional chapters of the network have been organized so far, in order to facilitate interaction diffusion of relevant information, and new members are requesting participation through these chapters.



• A web site for the Network is already in

the internet (www.caraota.redbio.org.ve),

with information relevant for its

members, with basic information of the

project, news, events, technical/scientific

documents and links all related to edible

bean production, consumption, genetic

improvement and application of

biotechnological tools.



http://www.caraota.redbio.org.ve/

• A illustrated catalogue of 300 local

indigenous varieties and materials preserved

in the legumes seed bank was designed and

constructed, in electronic format, will be

accessible through the website.

• A data base for registering and consultation

of information on local varieties seeds

managed by farmers was developed and will

be soon available through the website.





RESULTS --- Human capital consolidation

Eight members of the research team have

received specialized training in different topics

(seed conservation, in vitro culture, biometrics

and bioinformatics, knowledge management and

ICT, molecular markers, biotechnological tools

for genetic improvement) in recognized

international institutes (CIAT-Colombia, INRA-

France, CSIC/INIA-Spain, CATIE-Costa Rica).

Short courses and workshops

Seven researchers participated in international

courses or workshops related to water stress,

nutritional improvement, genomics and

proteomics, knowledge management and

information systems).

Theses. Three students from Venezuelan

universities developed their research theses in

the context of the research and development

component objectives of the project.



RESULTS – Technology Transfer

International events

Several events bringing together researchers, technicians and

farmers took place, in order and share information about grain

legume improvement and production and to promote the use of

biotechnology:

• Andean Meeting of Rural Biotechnological

Enterprises for Endogenous Development. In a 3 day

meeting organized in august 2005, jointly with

IICA/PROCIANDINO and FONTAGRO,

approximately 200 participants from the Andean countries

(Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela).



RESULTS – Technology Transfer Bean biotechhnology Symposium

In the framework of the 2005 Agricultural

And Food Biotechnology Venezuelan

Network Meeting, held in Maracay,

Venezuela, in December 2005, the project

sponsored the Bean Biotechnology

International Symposium, with

participation fo several specialists from

international research institutions



RESULTS – Technology Transfer

National events

• Farmers seed day. In October 29, 2005, took place

the first Farmers seed day in Sanare, Lara State, where small

farmers from the area exhibited their local seed varieties and

materials, The event was repeated in October 2006 in Sanare,

and several Farmers Seed days have been organized in other

local communities in Táchira and Trujillo states.

• In the framework of the 2005 Fair of Family consumption,

which took place in October 2005, it was organized the

Edible Bean Gastronomic Festival, where more than

500 consumers participated in a tasting table for the promotion

of alternative ways of beans consumption, and in a survey of

bean consumer preferences.



RESULTS – Technology Transfer Other events included worshops on: • Participatory bean improvement, • Farmers seed preservation, • Biofertilizers production and • Fermented flour bean use, • Biotechnology and rural innovation with participation of members of the research team as

facilitators, 20 technicians and 65 farmers, aimed to the

diffusion and application of such innovative techniques

among farmers groups involves in the project.



RESULTS – Technology Transfer Papers presented in scientific and

technical events 19 presentations with partial results and advancements of

the project were presented in different national and

international events.

Research papers 4 Research articles have been published so far, and 4 more

are under preparation for delivery by the end of 2007.



RESULTS – Technology Transfer Publications • INIA/FONACIT 2005. ¿Que es eso que llaman

Biotecnología?. (Comp. y edición: Ma. Elena Morros y Alfredo Romero S.). Barquisimeto. INIA/FONACIT. 20p. (Serie D N°4). Tiraje: 7000 ejemplares.

• I NIA/FONACIT. 2005. Tesoros de la cocina a base de caraotas y otros granos. (comp. y edición: Ma. Elena Morros y Francisco Ramos). Barquisimeto, INIA/FONACIT. 72p. (Serie Pub. Especial N° 6). Tiraje: 4000 ejemplares.

• ROMERO S., A.; PÉREZ, D.; GÁMEZ, J. (Editores). 2006. Memorias del Encuentro Andino de Empresas Rurales de Base Biotecnológica en el marco del Desarrollo Endógeno. Maracay, INIA/FONACIT/ PROCIANDINO/FONTAGRO. 122p. Tiraje 500 ejempl



RESULTS – Technology Transfer Audiovisual editing and production Video: 4 micros in video format have been produced: • Biotechnology, participation and endogenous development,

12 min. January 6006 • Sharing knowledge and experiences in agricultural

biotechnology, Testimonials, 12 min. May 2006 • The Andean meeting of agricultural biotechnology

enterprises. 22 min.. November 2006 • Biotechnological applications in Bean improvement and

production. May 2007. 15 min. Radio: Three 2’ micro programs for radio broadcasting were

produced: Biotechnology and Bean production, Participant Innovation in biotechnology and Biodiversity and Agriculture. November 2005, broadcasted during 2006 through the national network of community radio stations.



The planning and execution of networks enhancement,

human capital consolidation and technology transfer,

have allowed the establishment of permanent

information and communication flows throughout the

last two years, facilitating the diffusion and knowledge

and technologies among relevant audiences (researchers,

technicians, farmers, policy makers) and their active

participation in the innovation process for

biotechnological applications in the genetic

improvement and production of common beans



Conclusions

Preliminary results indicate an increase in

knowledge sharing activities, high participation

of farmers and technicians in scientific/

technological research and development, wide

diffusion of information through participation in

scientific events, internet (web site), printed

materials, and training courses and the

establishment of a communication network of

around 350 members.



Conclusions

Knowledge levels, awareness and interest for biotechnological applications and products have increased in the group of almost 350 actors involved in the different activities undertaken by the project.

Institutional innovation has been ameliorated and incorporated in the organizations involved, specifically the enabling of concrete instruments and mechanisms for farmers participation and communication networks, widening the range of the research and development process, in order to promote the use of biotechnological inputs adapted to the local contexts of rural communities.



Conclusions