Innovation and Technology Transfer

In 2004, Assystem won a contract through the European Commission's ECODES framework programme to assist with technology transfer and commercialisation in and around the three Russian cities of Tomsk, Krasnoyarsk and Novosibirsk. The main project tasks were to:

• Analyse existing available technology audit methodologies in Tomsk region
• Carry out at a series of technology audits in each of the three regions
• Prepare business plans for three interregional projects arising from the technology audits
• Identify possible sources of financing for the projects including equity capital investments
• Organise a workshop to disseminate the results of the project.

One technology project was selected from each of the three regions:

• Neutrostim - Production of haemodialysis solutions for renal and organ transplant patients.
• Stem Cells - Development of cellular therapies for treatment of heart, liver and other illnesses.
• Field Emission Displays - Development and production of a new display based upon field emission technology to replace LCD displays.

The project achieved all of the aims set out for it. Key results of Assystem' work were:

• Strengthening of the links between the three regions in the fields of innovation and technology commercialisation. As an example of this, negotiations have started for the possible joint exploitation of a technology developed in Krasnoyarsk with former defence enterprises in the Tomsk region.
• Demonstration of a robust methodology for assessing the potential of technologies for commercialisation in Russia. A version of this methodology has been adopted as a standard assessment tool for the Novosibirsk region.
• The establishment of a core team of local personnel qualified to undertake technology audits, to support future commercial exploitation of technologies developed by enterprises, universities and research institutes in Siberia.