Title: Using Idea 2 Product Labs® as a strategy for accelerating technology transfer

Authors: Deon J. De Beer; R. Ian Campbell

Addresses: Technology Transfer and Innovation Support, North West University, P.O. Box 19333, Noordbrug, Potchefstroom 2522, South Africa ' Technology Transfer and Innovation, Vaal University of Technology, Andries Potgieter Blvd., Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa

Abstract: Technology transfer poses particular problems to developing countries whose governments cannot always afford to fund expensive high-tech solutions. This article reports on the Idea 2 Product Labs® concept that was developed in South Africa to offer a low-cost open-source alternative. The motivation behind the work was to put innovative new technologies into the hands of more people within a shorter timeframe than would otherwise be possible. The background, planning, objectives, outcomes and impact of the project are reported together with some conclusions on how this model could be adopted across a wider domain.

Keywords: technology transfer; product development; additive manufacturing; South Africa; open source; technological innovation; new technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2016.082098

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2016 Vol.14 No.3/4, pp.249 - 261

Received: 02 Nov 2015
Accepted: 06 May 2016
Published online: 07 Feb 2017 *

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