“Knowledge and technology broker”: a new knowledge and technology transfer experts training program
Novel European experts training program at the Montanuniversitaet in Leoben
Released: 04.10.2017
After successful participation in the education program (vocational training) as well as having passed the examinations, the first graduates have been awarded certificates to become “Knowledge & Technology Broker” (K&T Broker).These ISO / IEC 17024 certificates were handed over in Graz on October 3rd, 2017.
The participants are employed at one of the technology transfer offices of the Karl Franzens University (KFU), the Graz University of Technology (TUG) and the Montanuniversitaet Leoben (MUL).
Vocational training: 15 modules – 168 units – 21 days
The training and further education program was developed by the Montanuniversitaet Leoben being a member of the Knowledge Transfer Centre South (WTZ Süd). The program focusses on knowhow, special knowledge and skills concerning the management of knowledge and technology and was implemented as a pilot course during 2016-2017 via 15 training modules on a total of 21 days.
Certificate according to ISO/IEC-17024
Certified K&T Broker possess a wide range of competencies in dealing with knowledge and protection rights, including customer identification and support, trend identification and future technological challenges, as well as recognising, evaluating, and exploiting the full potential of knowledge, research results and technologies applicable to the needs and wealth of the society. Furthermore, K&T brokers are capable of managing innovation projects, to generate technology field reports, undertake corporate research and organize events around R & D. The recognition of start-up potentials and cooperation models (regulated by contracts/term sheets), and the consideration of development strategies complement the skillset. The training modules comprise: project management and project planning, event management, principles in innovation management, methods of problem analysis, offering knowledge and technology transfer services, as well as communication, moderation, presentation and management of cooperation.
In order to receive the sought-after certificate, the candidates had to demonstrate their acquired skills in a practical project thesis, had to undergo single tests and pass a final examination including the presentation of their thesis.
The next expert training program in transfer of knowledge and technology will be held in Leoben, commencing in spring 2018.
Program funded by the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (BMWFW)
The development and implementation of the pilot program was funded by the BMWFW Knowledge Transfer Centre South (WTZ Sued) and supported by the Austrian Economic Service (AWS-GmbH). Seventeen persons from four Styrian universities (KFU, MUG (Medical University of Graz), TUG, MUL) and one Carinthian university (Alps-Adriatic University Klagenfurt AAU) took the opportunity to participate in the pilot training course.
First eight ISO/IEC-17024 certificates for Knowledge & Technology Brokers have been handed over to the following persons by Systemcert Zertifizierungs-gesmbH (accredited by the BMWFW) from left to right: Andreas Ruplitsch; Nicole Wohltran; Dr. Alexander Muhr; Dr. Elke Perl-Vorbach; Gerhard Stelzer; Dr. Brigitte Kriszt; Gernot Faustman; Jürgen Loeschnauer (small inserted picture)
Pictures: Montanuniversität Leoben
Written by: Montanuniversität Leoben, GS
on: 05/10/2017