Target area:
Sub-target area:
Target countries:	North Macedonia
Duration:	2015 - 2019
Partners:	AUSTIN Pock+Partners
Budget line:	Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia (World Bank loan)

Project description

The overall aim of the project is the establishment of the National Technology Transfer Office (NTTO) in Macedonia, beginning from the needs analysis to the implementation of the pilot projects. All main project activities will be implemented in the first year, whereas in the following three years WUS Austria, together with its project partner AUSTIN Pock+Partners, will conduct monitoring of the NTTO's activities. The implementation of the project is divided in 5 modules. The first module envisages development of the strategic plan including the identification of thematic fields and target groups, whereas in the second module the technology potential of Macedonia is being examined. Based on the conducted analysis and assessments, the NTTO will be established as well as its operational processes, after which its financing and funding strategy and reporting systems will be developed. After the full establishment of the NTTO, pilot projects will be implemented. They will allow the newly hired staff of NTTO to implement practical projects under the supervision of the consulting team. These projects will bring together industry and universities/research institutions to jointly develop and implement projects in the area of TT in the specific thematic fields. These pilot projects should initiate NTTO's activities in Macedonia and should provide the initial boost for the enhancement of the cooperation between universities and industry.

The establishment of a National Technology Transfer Office in Macedonia will be of great importance for the country. It will boost innovation and research capacities in Macedonia, create better linkage between universities/research institutions and industry, and support commercialization of research.