“The technology transfer and innovation value chain in industry”
TECNALIA turns scientific excellence into industrial leadership
How do we turn knowledge into a competitive advantage? This was one of the key issues discussed at the round table entitled The technology transfer and innovation value chain, which took place during the APTE meeting as part of the AMETIC Santander40 event. TECNALIA put forward its view, along with representatives from Eurecat and ITAINNOVA, on the challenges facing Europe on how to transfer scientific excellence to the business sector and have an economic and social impact.
During the debate, Irene López de Vallejo, Head of Business Development in Quantum Technologies, argued that technology transfer needs to go further than simply generating knowledge. The aim is to build robust, competitive, sustainable value chains that will drive new industrial opportunities and strengthen Europe’s strategic capabilities.
Unlikely connections drive innovation
One of the key messages to emerge from our contribution was the need to foster so-called "unlikely connections" between companies, start-ups, investors, universities, technology centres and public authorities.
Innovation is increasingly emerging from the convergence of disciplines and sectors. Therefore, we need to highlight the role of science and technology parks as genuine catalysts for ecosystems capable of fostering collaboration, speeding up technology transfer and facilitating the creation of new market opportunities.
Aligned governance to speed up transformation
TECNALIA also highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between scientific, technological and industrial policies. Europe has a wealth of talent, knowledge and very useful support tools. However, we need greater alignment between the different levels of action in order to speed up the implementation of strategies and maximise their impact.
This approach is particularly important in complex technological fields, where collaboration between public and private sector actors is a decisive factor in driving innovation and consolidating new industrial capabilities.
Quantum technology requires a long-term vision and major investment
As Head of Business Development in Quantum Technologies, Irene López de Vallejo shared her views on one of the technologies with the greatest potential for transformation over the coming decade.
- Quantum technologies have a differentiating factor: technological development, use cases and business models are making good progress simultaneously. Consequently, it is essential that companies start to explore their potential and develop capabilities that will allow them to capitalise on future opportunities.
- We argue that there is a need to drive forward major transformative initiatives, backed by sufficient investment, stability and a long-term strategic vision.
- The combination of quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced computing will usher in a new era of innovation that will be capable of transforming entire sectors and strengthening Europe’s technological leadership.
TECNALIA has reaffirmed its commitment to developing and transferring disruptive technologies that strengthen industrial competitiveness, create new value chains and speed up Europe’s technological transformation.