Overcoming Barriers to Technology Transfer and Business Commercialization in Central and Eastern Europe: Solutions and Opportunities

Papers from a September 2001 NATO Advanced Research Workshop review the current status of business development in Central and Eastern Europe, and describe mechanisms for business commercialization and models for change based on Western European and US experiences. They examine business opportunities through technology transfer, and discuss the potential for creating a technology transfer and commercialization network across the region that will make use of public/private partnerships. The book will be of interest to researchers and managers involved in technology transfer and innovation. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

In the 21st century, Central and Eastern Europe face challenges to innovation and business development. The NATO – Advanced Research Workshop “Overcoming Barriers to Technology Transfer and Business Commercialisation in Central & Eastern Europe” was designed to allow pertinent organisations from different nations to share ideas and strategies to address these challenges. The thrust of the workshop was to improve the transformation process of R&D to home-grown technologies and ultimately, innovative and successful businesses. It is important to recognise that most Central and Eastern European economies are evolving from a super-centralised economic structure. We hope that by tapping into the experiences of developed countries, these C&EE nations can lay the foundations for thriving market-economies.

The presentations during the workshop contained not only theoretical ideas, but also facts, examples, and results, summarised in tables and illustrated by figures. In this book, we also set forth remedies for some of the issues discussed. This book will serve as a useful tool for researchers, for technology transfer and business and innovation center managers, for businessmen and in general for all those interested in and concerned with breaking down the barriers to technology transfer and business commercialisation.