Strengthening the Technology Transfer Framework in Developing Countries

An internship programme on intellectual property and the management thereof was designed and conducted at Michigan State University for representatives from developing countries. Eleven participants from eight developing countries attended the two-week programme. In addition to classroom work, the interns visited several university technology transfer offices and attended the annual meeting of the Association of University Technology Managers. As a result of the programme, interns are having a positive impact on individuals, institutions, and governments by developing educational programmes and by providing advice in the development of new intellectual property protection policies and laws. Due to its success, planning is underway to conduct the internship programme again during 1997.