The Innovation and Technology Transfer Center invited, from March 25-29, 2024, all technology enthusiasts to join the "Innovation and Tech Transfer Week (ITTw)" event.
It turned out to be a marathon of knowledge and exchange of ideas, which brought together the academic community, researchers, students and socio-economic partners around the essential themes for technology transfer and innovation. Each day of the week was dedicated to a main topic, with special guests sharing their valuable experience and knowledge.
The first day brought the theme to the fore open innovation and living labs, giving participants the opportunity to understand their essential role in stimulating interdisciplinary collaboration. Andrey Son from Continental Automotive Romania shared his perspective on how they function as incubators of revolutionary ideas, essential for technological advancement and innovation.
As the event progressed into the second day, the focus shifted to sustainable development and sustainable innovation. In this context, Andrea Nicolae from PIVOT-C and Mircea Stoian from FEPRA brought up the objectives of sustainable development and the circular economy, pointing out 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 the debates on the third day, when Nicoleta Cherciu from Cherciu&CO and Marius Nicolae from ADR West emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration between researchers and Centers for Innovation and Technology Transfer to optimize the publication and protection of research results. Discussions also included the need to respond to community needs through innovative products and services, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurial thinking.
Promotion of science for increasing social acceptance 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. Black Corina 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 the public perception of science.
The last day of the week consolidated the discussion about the opportunities for collaboration between the academic and the socio-economic environment, with a focus on European CDI projects. Elena Ungureanu (UEFISCDI) and Corina Georgeta Barna (USVT), National Contact Points for European Commission calls of the European Innovation Council type, respectively Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. They opened the way for a productive debate on how EU-funded projects can boost cross-border innovation and collaboration.
This week of events was a vibrant space for the exchange of ideas, giving participants the opportunity to better understand the current challenges and opportunities in the field of innovation and technology transfer. Through its valuable guests and the topics addressed, ITTw has managed to inspire and motivate the academic community and those involved in research, development and innovation.
