The Innovation & Tech Transfer Week (ITTw) proved to be a marathon of knowledge and idea exchange, gathering the academic community, researchers, students, and partners from the socio-economic environment around key themes for technology transfer and innovation. Each day of the week was dedicated to a main topic, featuring special guests who shared their valuable experience and knowledge.
The first day highlighted the theme of open innovation and living labs, offering participants the chance to understand the essential role these play in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Andrei Son from Continental Automotive Romania shared his perspective on how they function as incubators for revolutionary ideas, crucial for technological advancement and innovation.
As the event progressed to the second day, the focus shifted to sustainable development and sustainable innovation. In this context, Andreea Nicolae from PIVOT-C and Mircea Stoian from FEPRA discussed sustainable development goals and the circular economy, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in business and community for a sustainable future.
Intellectual property rights and the exploitation of R&D results were the heart of debates on the third day, when Nicoleta Cherciu from Cherciu&CO and Marius Niculae from ADR Vest highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration between researchers and Innovation and Tech Transfer Centers to optimize the publication and protection of research findings. Discussions also included the necessity to meet community needs through innovative products and services, underlining the importance of entrepreneurial thinking.
Promoting science was the central theme of the fourth day, a crucial moment to discuss how science can be made accessible and attractive to the general public. Corina Negrea from Radio Romania Cultural and Marius Matache from the University of Bucharest shared their experience on how effective communication and engaging the community in dialogue can change public perception of science.
The last day of the week reinforced the discussion about collaboration opportunities between the academic and socio-economic environments, with a focus on European R&D projects. Elena Ungureanu (UEFISCDI) and Corina Georgeta Barna (USVT), National Contact Points for European Commission calls, such as the European Innovation Council and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, paved the way for a productive debate on how EU-funded projects can stimulate innovation and cross-border collaboration.
This week of events represented a vibrant space for the exchange of ideas, offering participants the opportunity to better understand the current challenges and opportunities in the field of innovation and tech transfer. Through its valuable guests and the themes addressed, ITTw succeeded in inspiring and motivating the academic community and those involved in research, development, and innovation.
