Presentation
Technology transfer is still a critical and complex step in the innovation process. Similarly, technology adoption is also a critical and challenging step.
In this sense, INESC TEC created TEC4AGRO-FOOD in 2014, an Initiative for Agro-Food and Forestry. TEC4AGRO-FOOD is a new organisational approach aiming at structuring the market-pull innovation process, as opposed to the science-push that occurs naturally at INESC TEC’s Research & Development Centres, supporting the establishment of the adequate balance between the two opposing motivations and the full knowledge-to-value chain. TEC4AGRO-FOOD’s mission is co-creating the digital (r)evolution in agro-food and forestry through research and technological development in digital technologies and robotics, for the creation of long-term value for INESC TEC from customers, markets, and relationships.
For innovation to occur, it’s important to implement the “Innovation Triangle”. End Users’ (farmers, forestry producers and respective associations) needs (short term) and desires (medium-long term) must be addressed by the non-business entities of the research and innovation (R&I) system, such as INESC TEC, and Technology Providers, so they can jointly develop innovative products and services – later provided to the End Users by the Technology Providers. INESC TEC may also offer advanced consulting directly to the End Users.
Typically (there are exceptions), INESC TEC researches and develops technologies until Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 - System Prototype Demonstration in Operational Environment.
