The organization of social events around technology or innovation (presentations, awards ceremonies, celebrations ...) are a useful tool for establish high-level relationships between knowledge institutions and local business environment, in order to promote technology transfer and increase the number contracts related to research and development (R&D).

Universities and research centres often lack from a fruitful relationship on technology transfer with Government, business associations, media, consultants, corporations, entrepreneurs, non profit organizations, etc. located within its immediate geographical area.

A social event organized on the basis of consensus and appreciated by the attendants is the perfect excuse to have prominent media coverage and to strengthen informal networking with key personalities, first level business leaders and senior managers.

A complex task during business week as arranging a chat about research collaboration between a technology centre manager and a business CEO, can be extremely simple and spontaneous at a social meeting.

Many organizations within and outside business field are experts on events. The interesting thing is to apply it to the promotion of technology transfer. Some ideas are:

• Presentation of new activities on R & D, innovation, strategic plans, flagship projects, etc.
• Awards for technology transfer, innovation, R & D etc.
• Grand opening of schools, buildings, laboratories, etc.
• Celebration of institutional anniversaries or particular days.
• Conferences on technology, science, business, etc.
• Specially organized social gatherings as: "Gala Dinner", "Special Nights", "Scientific Encounters", "Transfer Cocktails", "Entering Knowledge", and so on.

Image: tech cocktail (vía flickr), some rights reserved.

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