Biruntha Mooruthi, the Chief Commercial Officer and IP Specialist at UNITEN R&D. Credit: M. Krishnamoorthy
Malaysia should initiate a National Technology Transfer Agency to accelerate innovation growth to boost the socio-economic benefits for the nation.
The aim is to create a pipeline of innovative products and services that can drive economic growth in Malaysia.
Currently, there is no central platform for institutions of higher learning to promote local homegrown intellectual properties that has commercial value.
Biruntha Mooruthi, the Chief Commercial Officer and IP Specialist at UNITEN R&D Sdn Bhd said in the past the government has invested huge research and development expenditure. However, the returns of these R&D output has been low.
“The underlying question still remains unanswered – how do we increase the translation rate of research into wealth that focuses in the commercialisation of home-grown technologies.
“Malaysia is still grappling to achieve the government’s aspiration of increasing the rate of commersialisation output of our intellectual properties. The agency’s mission will be to promote innovations in Malaysia, a move that could drive the country’s economic growth. It should be the focal point to drive industrial development, create economic value through technology R&D outputs from research institutions and universities.”
Biruntha who has vast experience in government, industry and academia in accelerating innovation and technology transfer added: “This will allow a proper measuring system on the success rate of technology commercialisation from research institutions.
However, there are still gaps in the local ecosystem despite all the initiatives and efforts by the government in the past. “Identifying the gap and addressing it strategically is crucial in driving the bigger picture. Universities are still looking for avenues to seek the right support and guidance in IP Commercialisation.”
Malaysia is known for its vibrant economy, but there is a need to create more opportunities for innovation. Biruntha Mooruthi believes that a National technology transfer agency could help bridge the gap by providing funding, support, and guidance to universities and its innovators in Malaysia.
However to enable this dream, Biruntha also stressed the need for the right talent development in technology transfer.
Now, Malaysia has only 12 registered technology transfer professionals and there is need to increase these talents for realization of more technology from local universities to industries.
The agency will provide an end-to-end facilitation support including funding for research and development, and support the commercialization of new products and services.
Biruntha Mooruthi explained that the proposed agency will operate as a partnership between the government, the private sector, and academia. The agency will work closely with universities and research institutions to identify new technologies and ideas.
The private sector will be involved in the commercialization of new products and services. The government will provide funding and support for the agency’s operations. An innovative funding model should be developed to enable this agenda.
The proposed innovation agency, Biruntha said would also work closely with international partners to ensure that Malaysia is at the forefront of technological innovation. Biruntha Mooruthi emphasized that the agency will be a vital component of Malaysia’s economic development strategy.
The benefits of the proposed innovation agency are clear. It will help Malaysia to become a hub for technological innovation and create new job opportunities.
M. Krishnamoorthy is a media coach, associate professor, and journalist who worked and freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society’s concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.