In order to bridge the growing gap between university education and the labor market, and to keep abreast of the modern concept of technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote students’ pioneering awareness and applied research among faculty members and students. The university started the establishment of a technology transfer office at Al-Zaytoonah University in October 2017 based on the decision of the university president No. 42/149 / 2017-2018 to support the university in implementing its vision and mission at the local and Arab levels. The Office aims to be responsible for marketing new university technology resulting from research, ideas and projects and to protect, manage and commercialize their intellectual property rights. The Office also provides advice to faculty, staff and students on disclosure of innovations and protection of intellectual property in the form of patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as contracts and agreements. In addition, it helps in the growth of new businesses by offering consultancy and training in multiple fields. It also connects the creator or researcher with investors and the labor market and helps them in the initial stages to establish their companies and provide logistical support for them.
The term “technology transfer” can be defined as the process of transforming scientific findings into products or services useful to society. In other words, transfer of ownership rights from researchers to another party in order to market new discoveries and innovations resulting from research work, may be in the form of patents, copyright or other forms of intellectual property.
There are many benefits for all participants in technology transfer. At the community level, new products and better services are provided to the Jordanian industry and the local market, increasing its share in the global market and increasing profits. At the student level, students are trained so they become prepared for work by improving their efficiency and linking them to the labor market and directing them to understand their needs and how to adapt to them. They are also supported to shape their ideas into viable projects as well as to help them find investors.
Technology transfer helps develop research products at an early stage and transform them into tools for direct use by the research community, and its success enhances the role of research institutions and their business partners.
The success of cooperation between researchers from different universities and industries leads to the promotion of knowledge as well as the further development of technology. This cooperation may lead to research opportunities benefiting both partners, the academic sector and the business sector, and the transfer of technology guarantees the interests and rights of both parties.
The investment of university research results stimulates local economic development, making the public the ultimate beneficiary of all products that reach the market and the employment opportunities resulting from the development, manufacture and sale of products.