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Technology

Note: That technology is basically technical knowledge.

Technical Knowledge

Knowledge: The Engine of the Economy

Creation, diffusion, usage, and beyond.

"Technology diffusion" refers to the process by which new innovations, ideas, or technologies spread and are adopted across individuals, organizations, or societies.

  • What is education?
  • On Tacit Knowledge
  • On Productive Knowledge

Technological Capabilities

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Technical Knowledge Diffusion

Institution Name Country/Region Type/Model Core Function Governance Model Focus Sector(s) Notes
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) USA Public-Private Partnership Network SME manufacturing support, tech transfer Federally funded, locally operated Manufacturing National network, broad manufacturing sectors
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Industry Collaboration Units) Germany Applied Research Institutes Network Industry-focused R\&D, technology transfer Public research institutes Manufacturing, engineering, IT Includes SME support units within institutes
Catapult Centres UK Innovation and Technology Centers Technology adoption, SME support Government-funded, independent Manufacturing, digital, materials Network targeting key sectors with applied innovation
CSIRO Manufacturing Units Australia National Innovation Agency Units Applied research, SME collaboration Government agency Advanced manufacturing Integrated with national innovation strategy
Canada Manufacturing Extension Program (CanMEP) Canada Manufacturing Extension Program SME manufacturing improvement Government and industry partnership Manufacturing Inspired by MEP USA model
Tecnalia Spain Applied Research and Technology Center SME collaboration, tech development Public-private partnership Manufacturing, energy, materials Supports Basque industry clusters
TWI Ltd. (The Welding Institute) UK Research and Technology Organization SME technical support and R\&D Private non-profit Manufacturing, welding, materials Industry-focused, SME engagement
Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) South Korea Government Innovation Agency Technology commercialization, SME innovation Government agency Manufacturing, ICT Manages tech innovation and SME growth programs
SME Instrument (Horizon Europe) European Union EU Funding Program SME innovation funding and support European Commission Cross-sector Funding and support for innovation-oriented SMEs
Innovation Relay Centres (IRC) EU (historical) Technology Transfer Network SME technology brokerage and networking EU Commission-supported Cross-sector Predecessor to EEN (Enterprise Europe Network)
USDA Cooperative Extension Service USA Agricultural Extension System Agricultural knowledge transfer to farmers Federal and state partnership Agriculture Largest agricultural extension network globally
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) India Agricultural Technology Transfer Centers Rural innovation diffusion and training Government funded Agriculture Local centers delivering extension and innovation
Agri-Tech East UK Innovation Network Connecting agri-tech innovators with farmers Membership-based, non-profit Agriculture, agri-tech Focused on accelerating agri-food innovation
European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Health European Union Knowledge and Innovation Community Health innovation ecosystem and SME support EU-funded consortium Health and biotech Promotes collaboration among academia, business, research
EIT InnoEnergy European Union Innovation Community Sustainable energy innovation support EU-funded consortium Energy Supports startups and SMEs in clean energy
NREL Technology Deployment USA Government Lab Technology Transfer Commercialization and deployment of clean energy tech Federal research lab Energy and environment Supports renewable energy commercialization
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) USA Federal Innovation Funding Program Funding tech innovation in startups and SMEs Federal government Cross-sector Early-stage funding and commercialization support
AgriInnovation Program Canada Agricultural Innovation Funding Technology adoption and market development Government funded Agriculture Supports agri-food sector innovation
Digital Catapult UK Digital Innovation Center Accelerate digital technology adoption Government funded Digital technology Supports AI, IoT, blockchain SMEs

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