Technology Transfer Challenges

Research serves as a catalyst for nation-building, and technology transfer is a powerful tool that determines the success of research. When executed effectively, technology transfer yields both tangible and intangible assets that enrich people and planet. Conversely, when mismanaged, it can lead to irreversible cross-generational damage.
But technology transfer faces significant challenges. A lack of trust between stakeholders—industry, government, and academia—due to differing priorities can result in reluctance to collaborate. Efforts are often fragmented, with entities working in isolation, leading to inefficient resource use and missed interdisciplinary opportunities. The complex and varied regulations governing technology transfer, particularly in international collaborations, can complicate compliance.

Intellectual property conflicts can obstruct effective collaboration, while the commercialisation of academic research often suffers from a lack of expertise in transitioning innovations from the lab to the market. Ethical and security concerns, especially with cross-border transfers, raise issues of privacy and potential misuse of sensitive technologies.

These challenges define and drive AIER’s commitment to promoting strategic, secure, and sustainable technology transfer.