Vol 1 - Support Services Ufs Ac Za - University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) re cognisesthe importance not only of generatingnew knowledge by means of researchprogrammes, but also of actively participating inthe application and utilisation of knowledge andtechnology to generate new products, processesand services. The Directorate Research Development(DRD) also recognises the po ten tial of thirdstream-funding– generated through contractresearch, the effective man age ment of intellectualproperty and the com mer ciali sation of innovativeresearch – to ensure greater financial sustainabilityin support of re search at the University. Researchcommercialisation and in creas ed cooperation withindustry has therefore been a priority within theStrategic Framework of the DRD since 2003, andthis prioritisation has led to some very promisingendeavours in these areas.Dedicated human resources, policy direc tivesand administrative and legal processes have beenput in place in support of UFS researchcommercialisation activities. Prof Gerrit van Wyk,acting Director for Entre pre neurship and SpecialProjects, has been assisting the DRD on a part-timebasis since 2005 and a candidate attorney, MsVictoria Motloung from Phatshoane Henney Inc. (aBloemfontein-based law firm), has been responsiblefor contract administration from 2006. In the sameyear, the UFS Policy for the Management ofIntellectual Property (IP) was approved forimplementation and legal re pre sen tatives werecontracted to handle UFS patents. The Universityfurther decided to create a dedicated managerialposition to spearhead research com merciali sation,Ms Victoria Motloung, candidate attorney from PhatshoaneHenney Inc., has been responsible for contract researchadministration from 2006.in nova tion and entrepreneurship, and the appointmentprocess was initiated.The University is currently engaged with manyindustrial partners through the Tech nology andHuman Resources for Industry Pro gramme (THRIP).It has also received significant third-stream fundingfrom some prominent South African andinternational companies. These include global52