Establishing a Russian National Organization for University Technology Transfer Managers Yekaterinburg December 10, 2003 Terry A. Young Consultant U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation Editor InnovationMatters
Definition For today’s discussion, an association is defined as “a joint agreement between a number of individuals or legal entities who are associating of their own free will in order to accomplish a common or public interest.”
Examples of Common Interests To promote and enhance the academic technology transfer profession in the Russian Federation through education, training, and national and international communication. To create a broader understanding of the technology transfer process and its potential impact upon commerce and society in the Russian Federation.
Important Issues Who will take the “first step”? Are there individuals or organizations in Russia with desire & ability to lead the effort? What are requirements of Russian law for formation and registration of an association? Does an association as a legal entity protect its members from legal liability in Russia? Development of governance documents – guidelines for the legal structure and functioning of the association
Important Issues What will be the association’s goals and objectives? What will be the association’s major activities? Who can join the association – individuals? universities? other organizations? Who will provide administrative support services for the association and its activities? How will the association be funded?
Special Issue Budget Support Options Subscription or membership fees Subsidies: –Governmental –International or Regional Support Organizations –Charitable foundations Sponsorships: law firms, tech companies Fund Raising Activities –Association meetings –Educational workshops and seminars –Publications
Reference: Other National or Regional Associations Association of European Science and Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP) Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) European Association for the Transfer of Technologies, Innovation and Industrial Information (TII) Intellectual Property Society of Chinese Universities Secretariat: Japan TLO Association
Reference: Other National or Regional Associations Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) ProTon Europe Réseau Curie (France) Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) University Companies Association (UNICO)
International Federation Initial Meeting – Florida, USA, February 2003 Representatives: Europe, Japan, USA, Canada, South Africa, Russian Federation (CRDF), India, Australia “Steering Committee” formed “International Federation of Academic Technology Transfer Organizations” (IFATTO) Next Meeting: AUTM Annual Meeting in March 2004 (San Antonio, Texas, USA)