A primary premise of ICTWAY 2003 is that core competencies for this project will be developed locally. To this end, all training programs in this project will include training of trainers, so that local experts can conduct subsequent activity. A second premise is that innovation is defined primarily by the Romanian context. For example, the introduction of “new” ICT solutions means technologies that are new to the firms in Romania, and the identification of ICT developed at universities would be evaluated in terms of a local or regional market. Objective 1. Develop programs and mechanisms that foster and encourage the establishment and incubation of start-ups based on ICT developed in Romanian universities and research institutions. There is a strong desire in Romania to build a vibrant knowledge-based economy. A number of universities and research institutions in Romania produce high-quality scientific and technological knowledge, particularly in the ICT sector. These innovations have the potential to become the basis for independent entrepreneurial ventures, thus contributing to this goal. However, the mechanisms and procedures that facilitate the process of initiating and supporting technology-led enterprises from these technical universities need to be strengthened. The first objective of ICTWAY 2003 is to create and develop capabilities in the participating incubators to enable them to become a central resource in this effort. This objective involves several steps: - Assess the current mechanisms and procedures that universities and other research institutions use to commercialize technology - Develop mechanisms to accelerate the commercialization of technology from Romanian universities and research institutions - Train faculty and staff of university technology transfer offices in the commercialization and start-up process - Train incubator staff to improve their know-how and performance in the commercialization process and related activities - Create and encourage public/private partnerships for the commercialization of technology - Develop procedures and asses 4-6 technologies that have the highest probabilities for success as the basis for new ventures - Link key resources in ICT in Romania with other centers of activity in Europe and the U.S. to develop common interests and facilitate capital flows Action Plan 1. Terry Young and Dr. Norman Kaderlan of Technology Innovation Group, Inc. will conduct an assessment of the current state of technology commercialization in Romania. They will conduct interviews with targeted staff of university technology transfer offices, entrepreneurs, business leaders, key incubator staff, and government officials. The on-site collection of data will take five working days if properly scheduled and assisted by local partners. There will be approximately 30 interviews planned over the period. 2. The Technology Innovation Group, Inc. assessment team will conduct a gap analysis/benchmark study and prepare a report to present to the project team. The report will address the following: - Model for the incubators to assist in technology commercialization - Human resources in Romania to support the program - Improvements in university technology transfer policies and procedures - Services to be provided by incubator to support and accelerate commercialization - Public/private partnerships for commercialization of technology - How to market ICT for commercialization - Linkages to other resources in technology transfer and commercialization The assessment will take approximately 6 weeks to conclusion and be scheduled immediately upon initiation of the project. The Technology Innovation Group, Inc. team will conduct three follow-up visits to Romania over a 9-month period to assist in and monitor progress of the implementation of the recommendations. 3. Technology Innovation Group, Inc. will create a 5-day training program on the commercialization process and related services. The program will include the following topics: - The technology commercialization process - Intellectual property basics - Technology assessments - Marketing basics - Communication and presentations - The start-up process and how to facilitate it Technology Innovation Group, Inc. will present this workshop in Romania twice over the two-year span of this project. Participants will include key staff from university technology transfer offices, selected university administrators, key incubator staff, and 2-3 individuals who will take over the training after the project is concluded. Participants will identify 4-6 technologies for assessment. They will conduct the assessments after the conclusion of the workshop and select the most promising for further development of a commercialization strategy. Objective 2. Improve the capabilities of participating incubators to facilitate the development and expansion of ICT-based ventures. This objective will be addressed by reviewing existing programs, staff, infrastructure, and community assets for areas needing specific type of assistance.  Resources required for enhancing participating incubators will be identified and obtained as necessary.  Human resources will be recruited when warranted and provided with training and inculcation of entrepreneurial requirements. Objective 3. Assist SMEs to develop and integrate ICT solutions into their operations so they can become more effective and competitive. This objective will be accomplished in several steps: A. Improving the existing communication infrastructure B. Training the trainers C. Develop the curriculum D. Implement the training E. Provide ongoing assistance F. Linkages with other organizations G. Dissemination of results and best practices The services for this objective will be provided primarily by the project manager and the Romanian partners. Additionally, the project will select a partner organization that specializes in providing ICT solutions to SMEs. Among the criteria for selection of this organization is that they are based in Europe and have extensive experience in the Eastern European context. This organization will provide an outside expertise and perspective and familiarity with best practices that will complement the experience of the Romanian organizations.

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