The American University of Beirut Hosts Training Workshop on the Fundamentals of Technology
Transfer.
On October 9-10, 2014, the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) at the American University of Beirut
(AUB) held its fourth training for researchers and research administrators entitled, “Fundamentals of
Technology Transfer Workshop”. This training is part of AUB’s coordinated project entitled: Innovation
and Development of Academic-Industry Partnerships through Efficient Research Administration in
Lebanon (IDEAL)” funded by the Tempus IV program of the European Union. It aimed at highlighting the
significance of intellectual property rights protection in research institutions and universities as well as
pinpointing the important role of transferring new technologies to industry can play in enhancing
economic growth.
The training was delivered by IDEAL European partners, from the Technological Educational Institution
of Thessaly, the University of Alicante, Staffordshire University and Alt-City. Over sixty people attended
the training. Among those present, were representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher
Education, the National Erasmus+ Office, and researchers and administrators from Lebanese Universities
namely Beirut Arab University, Modern University for Business and Science, University of Balamand,
University of St. Joseph, Lebanese American University and the Lebanese International University.
Day one focused on the basic principles and the importance of technology transfer in Universities and
Research Institutions, and the basic principles of intellectual property rights and the management of
property rights. Day two focused on technology and knowledge transfer from universities, how to start a
business in Lebanon and an introduction to business incubators and innovation/science parks in
universities.
The overall evaluation of this fourth training was described as valuable, interesting and led to a high
degree of understanding of the concept of technology transfer, and how to encourage innovation and
entrepreneurship.
The training was the last of its series that were sponsored under OGC’s EU Tempus project called IDEAL
“Innovation and Development of Academic-Industry Partnerships through Efficient Research
Administration in Lebanon.” This three year project (October 2012-2015) has been awarded a budget of
over one million dollars and has a consortium of 15 partners, five of which are European and ten of
which are Lebanese.