Opportunities and Challenges for Technology Transfer

 

Chapter 8: Opportunities and Challenges for Technology Transfer
• In Technology Transfer, artificial intelligence tools provide a promise of
efficiency to Technology Transfer Offices, but with some obstacles.
• As digital platforms and data become central to innovation ecosystems,
their evolving use and governance present both strategic advances and
ethical challenges for Technology Transfer.
• Open Innovation is transforming Technology Transfer by replacing
traditional linear IP licensing models with collaborative, cross-boundary
approaches that accelerate the flow of knowledge from research to market.

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the field of computer science that
focuses on creating systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks
typically requiring human intelligence.
• In the context of Technology Transfer, AI can be used to: estimate market
potential, estimate technology readiness level, draft legal agreements,
evaluate for patentability.
• Case Study: In 2020, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office began
incorporating AI into processes for conducting prior art searches. It
remains to be seen how patent offices worldwide balance the growing
number of applications with their metrics to evaluate such applications
thoroughly and efficiently.

Read-  https://cldp.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/CLDP%20Technology%20Transfer%20Handbook.pdf

 

SEPs in Indian Innovation Policies

 In March 2016, the DIPP had circulated a “Discussion Paper on Standard Essential Patents and their Availability on FRAND Terms.” It contained several issues for resolution inter alia relating to the need for amending statutes, creating guidelines for Indian SSOs, defining FRAND and fixing royalty calculation methodologies, use of non-disclosure agreements, transparency and patent pooling. 

The deliberations on the 6G Alliance propose to create 100 specification-dependent 6G SEPs – this would increase India’s visibility from nothing to something; but, other than increasing visibility, there is no policy direction on what our long-term domestic innovation goals are, where we place ourselves in the global SEP ecosystem, and how we want to support our domestic innovators. The proposed Telecom Policy advocates for a Sovereign Patent Fund – a mechanism that has been tried, tested and failed in several other jurisdictions, considered very problematic and an idea that’s possibly outdated.

In the limited discourse that has followed on this topic, several concerns are apparent. First, the blanket mandate of creating more SEPs is disjointed from any discussion on domestic directions on the FRAND commitment. With lack of a background clarification on what meaning basic SEP concepts hold in the Indian innovation ecosystem, the success of targeted sector-specific policies will be very limited. Additionally, a broader question is whether the Indian policy-making regime believes that a separate regulatory framework must define SEP participation rules for every innovation and manufacturing sector? It is not the requirement, nor the need, of an SEP policy to identify every domain sub-structure and dictate its behaviour. For a policy on SEPs to bring a sense of certainty, rules of conduct need to be defined broadly for the entire innovation ecosystem.

Source-https://spicyip.com/2025/11/seps-are-decorative-acronyms-in-indian-innovation-policies.html

One lakh crores R&D Fund- Invitation for second level Fund Managers

 The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025. With a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, this transformative initiative aims to catalyze private sector participation in high-impact R&D.It aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in strategic technologies and promote technological self-reliance, aligning with the nation’s long-term innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. How the Scheme Works

Funding and Financial Support, Total Budget: ₹1 lakh crore, Modes of Financing:Long-term loan at low or nil interest rates. Equity infusion, especially in case of startups.Contributions to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds Exclusions: Grants and short-term loans are not supported.Coverage: Financing can cover up to 50% of assessed project cost for transformative RDI projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 and above; exceptions may be approved by the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS)

Implementation Structure, Special Purpose Fund (SPF): Being set up under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to serve as the first-level custodian, Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs):, May include Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), or Focused Research Organizations (FROs) such as the Technology Development Board (TDB), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), IIT Research Parks, or similar entities.

Special Financial Rules: The RDIF will be governed by a Special Financial Rules (SFR) notified by Department of Science and Technology (DST). The rules have been published on DST website and are enclosed with this document. The rules under SFR have been framed in accordance with the Implementation Guidelines to facilitate smooth transaction of RDIF. Note that the General Financial Rules (GFR) of Government of India are not applicable for RDIF transactions.

Download-https://rdifund.anrf.gov.in/images/pdf/NIA_Web_Copy.pdf

Top 100 Indian Innovations (2025)

Innovation yearbook series 2025- Top 100 Indian innovations formally launched in Goa on 13th November 2025. The book is available at Amazon in paper back, Hard copy and kindle versions.

Link-

https://www.amazon.in/Top-Indian-Innovations-Innovators-Association/dp/B0FX524XR8

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025

 India has officially entered a new era of digital governance with the notification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025, bringing into effect India’s first full-fledged digital privacy law. The move operationalizes the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and introduces a comprehensive, consent-led, rights-based framework governing how organizations collect, process, store, and protect personal data.

Key provisions of the DPDP Rules 2025- Mandatory security safeguards for all Data Fiduciaries

Fiduciaries must implement strong, “reasonable” security controls to prevent breaches, including:Encryption, masking, obfuscation, or tokenization

• Strict access controls
• Continuous logging and monitoring
• One-year log retention
• Verified backup and continuity systems
• Mandatory security clauses in processor contracts

In case of a breach:Affected users must be informed immediately. The Data Protection Board must be notified within 72 hours. 

Strict parental consent for processing children’s data

• Mandatory verifiable parental consent for all data of children under 18.
• Verification must rely on reliable identity documents or Digital Locker-verified credentials.
• Exemptions apply for healthcare, safety, and education-related processing.

Read: https://www.india-briefing.com/news/dpdp-rules-2025-india-data-protection-law-compliance-40769.html/

Download: https://dpdpa.com/dpdparules.html