Soorya Subbu
Policy Update
Background
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) is a regional institution of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) serving the Asia-Pacific region. It was established on July 16, 1977 in Bangalore with the aim of facilitating technology transfer in the Asia-Pacific region. In 1993, it relocated to New Delhi with the Government of India under a host country agreement.
There are a total of 53 Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) member states and 9 associate members. The 53 ESCAP member states are from Asia, Africa and Europe.
APCTT promotes a friendly environment that enables innovation, transfer and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies of the 53 member states and 9 associate members. The member countries of the UNESCAP are by default, a part of APCTT’s programs.
Functions
The main functions of APCTT are to adopt, diffuse and transfer technology that fosters regional cooperation. There are two tracks run by the centre to support transfer of technology:
- On-demand intervention track: To achieve sustainable goals, the centre provides on-demand technical support, policy advice and capacity building in areas that are identified by the member countries.
- Focused intervention track: The centre concentrates on a focused track on technologies related to climate change, such as:
i) Transition to renewables
ii) Pollution Control
iii) Climate resilient infrastructure and
iv) Digital and 4IR technologies
v) Sustainable Development and Green Technologies
vi) Agricultural and Industrial Technologies
Performance
During the early years of APCTT, the centre introduced initiatives like Technology Atlas Project, a decision-support tool for policymakers, and the birth of Asia- Pacific Tech Monitor, which integrated regional technology insights. In the 1990s, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) gained good transfer of technology through APCTT. Projects like the Technology Bureau for Small Enterprises and developed S&T Entrepreneurship Parks and Technology Business Incubators were started, which laid the groundwork for entrepreneurial innovation in the region.
During the 2000s, the APCTT focused on National Innovation Systems, emphasizing growth on regional networks such as the Biotechnology Innovation Network for Asia (BINASIA) and the Asia-Pacific Traditional Medicine and Herbal Technology Network (APTMNET). Areas like biosciences and traditional medicine were connected and collaborated through research institutions, policy makers, and industry stakeholders.
In the 2010s, APCTT started focusing on sustainable development, by implementing significant projects in nanotechnology, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Renewable Energy Cooperation-Network for the Asia-Pacific (RECAP) was established by the centre as a mechanism for technology cooperation. Since 2020, APCTT has aligned its efforts towards promoting capacities and shaping regional cooperation on climate-resilient technologies, renewable energy, air pollution control and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
Targeted Outcomes of APCTT
The three primary outcomes that are crucial for the centre to achieve for the technological and developmental growth of its member states are as follows:
- Advancing technology innovation and bringing up new and emerging technologies, that include initiatives like Renewable Energy Technology Bank (RET-Bank).
- Strengthen enabling policies in all member states and connect technology seekers, providers and financing with each other. Eg: Technology4sme.net platform.
- Improves cross-border cooperation, capacity building and networking among various stakeholders for technology transfer.
Policy makers, research and development institutions, technology design, promotion and transfer agencies, technology entrepreneurs- especially youth and women, civil society organizations and others in Asia and the Pacific are key target stakeholders of APCTT.
Since, APCTT is the premier centre for climate change technologies and innovation and promoting technology cooperation in the region, it has three key strategic plans from 2023- 2027, that are mentioned above.
The impact on R&D activities and knowledge base has emphasized on good science and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), increased number of Ph.D students, number of scientists in position have decreased, quality of research papers has improved significantly and the budgets have shrunk phenomenally.
Emerging issues
Though APCTT has had tremendous growth, improvement and reach in all its member countries, there are a few challenges that it faces. The Research and Development areas are risky and costly as there’s uncertainty in outcome. Due to the long gestation period, a lack of mindset is always present amongst its members. There is also a lack of experience when it comes to introducing first of its kind products globally. Adherence to time schedule is another big challenge accompanied by unethical competition and high patent costs. Infringement, loss of key people, environmental issues and people’s alignment for new technology are a few other major issues that slow down the progress of APCTT.
Technology transfer has high technological obsolescence, rigid stance, which eventually leads to inadequate technology infrastructure, high cost of money and technology, lack of incentives to update existing technologies and lack of capability to develop competitive technologies. Even though innovation and technology transfer is exciting, it is a very complex process and government incentives are necessary for the same. These are a few issues and challenges that APCTT is facing currently.
Way forward
A strategic plan for 2023-2027 has been devised. It prioritizes regional cooperation for innovation and technology transfer, especially in climate technologies and achieving SDGs. Another key area of focus is on capacity building in member states. The rich history of APCTT reflects its commitment and adaptability to advancement in innovation and technology transfer across diverse sectors and geographies. APCTT has consistently supported its member states in gearing technology for sustainable and inclusive development from its early years in policy support to its current role in driving cutting-edge technologies. With a strong legacy of facilitating regional cooperation, APCTT continues to serve as a bridge between technology providers and seekers, driving sustainable development across all its member states and associate members.
References
- ESCAP Member Countries, APCTT Organisation. https://apctt.org/escap-member-countries
- History of APCTT, APCTT Organisation. https://apctt.org/history
- Overview, APCTT Organisation. https://apctt.org/general-information
- Dr. D. Yogeshwara Rao, November 3, 2017, “Technology Commercialization and Transfer”- “Technology Transfer: Issues, Challenges and Road Map”. https://apctt.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/Dr.D.YogeswaraRao1.pdf
About the author: Soorya Subbu is a research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), with a master’s degree in international Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Her areas of interest include international relations, public policy, analysis and global affairs.
Acknowledgement: This article was posted by Saniya Verma, a research intern at IMPRI.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
National Supercomputing Mission-2015
National Urban Livelihoods Mission 2013: Creating a safe haven for the urban poor
