The MES is launching a pilot project to create technology transfer centers that will allow researchers to implement their developments and businesses to find new ideas. It is planned that the Interregional Office of Technology Transfer will be in Kyiv, and the regional networks will be in Odesa and Kharkiv.
This was reported by the Director General of the Directorate of Innovations and Technology Transfer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Daria Chaika, today, February 19, 2019. She explained that one of the main problems of innovation development in Ukraine is the low level of technology transfer.
"Often, a scientist who has certain research results, new developments, cannot further implement them, there is a gap between the scientist's laboratory and business, the real sector of the economy. There is also a question about the effectiveness of the use of those funds that the state directs to science. Now we are actively working to establish this relationship, to make it mutually beneficial for both parties. This is happening in several directions - updating the relevant legislation, developing the technology transfer network, holding communication events, etc.," said Daria Chaika.
One of these events is the annual All-Ukrainian Innovation Festival, which will be held on May 14-16. Within its limits, in particular, 2 competitions will be held - startups and innovative projects. Representatives of educational institutions and scientific institutions can submit their project, and the jury will be formed from representatives of innovative structures, venture businesses, international organizations and foundations, etc. Contest finalists will receive support for the implementation of their projects. The application deadline is February 28 inclusive.
"This year we will hold the festival for the fourth time. And, as the experience of past years has shown, for many participants it is a good starting point to show themselves, find investors, and develop further. For example, two finalist projects of last year's festival then won the University Startup World Cup international competition in Copenhagen, and the startup "FoodBIOPack" received a grant of half a million hryvnias from the "Elephant Fund", the fund for supporting science in Ukraine, said the general director.
She also added that for global changes in the field of innovation, the Ministry of Education and Culture together with stakeholders have developed a corresponding Strategy, which is currently awaiting approval by the Government. Under it, the discussion of the changes required by the legislation of Ukraine has already begun. In this process, the Ministry of Education and Culture seeks to take into account the opinions of the widest possible range of interested parties, so the Directorate of Innovation and Technology Transfer is currently conducting a number of focus groups. They involve experts from both the public and business, as well as state authorities and the scientific community.
In February, 3 focus group meetings were already held, where the participants expressed their comments and suggestions on the draft laws developed by the directorate, namely: the Draft Law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Stimulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer", the Draft Law "On Introducing amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Scientific Parks".
