Increased Complexity in Programs

The chapter discusses the issue of complexity in R&D support programs. The reasons for the complexity, the difference in the point of view of the government agency and the other players. With time and better understanding of the different needs of different sectors, different players – the programs tend to grow more complex. Due to different reasons such as: sectorial versus technological pressures, trying to do several things with one program, the need for different tools, the lack of other means trap – not all needs must be answered by a single program.

R&D Support Programs (the Need)

Any good business plan starts with the definition of the need for which it intends to base the entire business. Following that example, the discussion here should also start with the need for such programs, their strategic role as defined by research, and the rationale that makes them prevalent. When discussing R&D support programs, one needs to bear in mind that there are different types of such programs. The specific needs such programs were designed to answer, whether well or less so, the target audience or clients they address, and the specific legal environment they operate in, influence the different types and give rise to the need for different types of programs to begin with. In this chapter, we shall define the R&D support program and analyze examples of the influence the parameters mentioned above, have on the structure and function of the programs. The different types as well as support tools will be discussed at a later chapter (Chapter 05 – R&D support program types).

Knowledge Packaging and Knowledge Protections

This chapter deals with some of the basics of knowledge protection. The different possibilities and the specific cases they fit. It deals with the different possibilities, the characteristics, the advantages and disadvantages each technique offers, and some of the current trends. Examples help illustrate some of the points argued. The purpose of the chapter is to familiarize the reader with the basics of knowledge protections and create the common grounds for further discussion.

R&D Support Program Types

In this chapter, the R&D support program is discussed, it's characteristics and needs as well as the different roles the different players play. The description is general, followed by some of the different characteristics and types of programs. To better illustrate some of the points discussed a specific sector is analyzed as an example. The structure as well as the basic guidelines for establishing and R&D support program are discussed. The R&D program is defined as is translational research followed by guidelines for the operation of a program and ending with additional recommendations.

The Unequal Partnership

In this chapter, we will discuss the unequal partnership between industry and academy when dealing with IP and its usage. The main parameters towards economic growth when dealing with knowledge creation and market introduction of said knowledge relate, to knowledge management and protection are mentioned. These issues refer to the ability of the academy to research all, but often the permission to commercialize only part (FTO), and the ability of the industry to commercialize combined with its limitations on research (Porath, 2010). Among other topics to be discussed are the knowledge gap between basic research and applied research, and the role of translational research. The role of basic research institutes, the role of industrial research organization (regional or national), and the competition between such institutes and the alternative, the R&D support program.

Research Policy and Adjacent Tools

In this chapter, we discuss the elements required to complete the picture. The issue of Research Policy, its role and impact is presented. Following that discussion are the presentations of additional tools to the R&D Support Programs support tools – Accelerators, Technology Incubators and more. The presentations end with the National Research Organization and the comparison of such organizations with the R&D support programs.

Technology Creation and Technology Transfer

In this chapter issues related to Technology Transfer, such as the need for it, its definitions and its barriers and limitations, are discussed. The Chapter aims to create the basis for further discussion regarding R&D cooperation and the relevant programs. The discussion mentions high-tech and traditional sectors as examples to issues related to Technology Transfer, and R&D. The different characteristics and the time element are also mentioned to illustrate some of the finer points of Technology Transfer. The chapter also presents some examples to illustrate the issues.