Through an on-going relationship with Cambridge Enterprise (CE), PraxisUnico was asked to deliver a 3-day training programme for a group of 10 Colombian Prosperity and Innovation Managers as part of a 3 week visit to Cambridge, managed by Brian Corbett (Cambridge Enterprise).
The visit formed part of an overall programme of engagement with CE supported and funded by the Colombian Embassy and Innpulsa. The aims of the training were to enable delegates to gain an in depth understanding of the range of TT processes; to gain an appreciation of UK and international TT; and to support the managers in considering how they might best implement a developing TT system in the Valle region of Colombia.
PraxisUnico provided two highly experienced instructors: Dr Alison Campbell OBE – Alison Campbell Associates (Course Director) and Robert Marshall – Rob Marshall and Associates. Both have extensive experience of working with PraxisUnico and Alison Campbell is Chair of the PraxisUnico Training.
100% of delegate responses said that they would recommend the course to a colleague if it were repeated. All delegates were satisfied with the level of the course, which the instructors adapted during the training to suit the experience of the delegates, which emerged more clearly on meeting.
The training programme was highly interactive with a mix of taught, group work on case studies and discussion. Much ground was covered, however 70% of the delegates would have preferred a longer course with 4-5 being preferred.
The instructors were very pleased with the interactive nature of the event and very much enjoyed the opportunity to work with such an enthusiastic and capable group of delegates. It is clear from the delegate feedback that the PraxisUnico training has significantly improved confidence levels and encouraged individuals to rethink the nature of their roles and to implement practical new skills and initiatives within their own organisations.
Delegates’ stated aims in attending the course were to improve knowledge and skills in technology transfer, and at the end of the course, delgates said their objectives were fully met.
Delegates found the opportunity to engage with experts and to engage with practical examples highly useful. They also found topics on commercial strategy, valuation of opportunities, proof of concept, business planning, licensing and negotiation very relevant.
As a result of attending the course, delegates had a perspectives and a range of tools which they intended to use on return to their universities. In particular, delegates expressed a better understanding of how to approach implementation of technology transfer within their universities, where TT is emerging as a new function. New skills that delegates intend to draw on include: making more use of business planning methodology; improving communications; improved negotiation; considering approaches to adding value to opportunities such as proof of concept; and new approaches to licensing.