CACCI Journal, Vol.

2, 2005

Technology Acquisition and Transfer

Dr. Corazon T. Aragon Ms. Mylah Rystie B. Uy-Anacleto Leonora P. Matundan

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in economic development in the Philippines. Hence, there is a need to strengthen their technology base and thus boost their productivity and efficiency. However, many SMEs are not able to take advantage of these technology and business opportunities because they have limited information on available sources of technology and lack the financial resources to obtain information and explore opportunities for technology cooperation. This article discusses the technology acquisition process and presents available sources of technology in the Philippines. It also presents case studies of SMEs that have been successful in their business ventures through various means of technology acquisition. Introduction SMEs play a vital role in business development in Asia, particularly in economic growth and employment generation SMEs comprise as much as 99 per cent of Asia's enterprises. In light of the significant role played by SMEs in accelerating economic development, there is a need to boost their productivity and efficiency by strengthening their technology base. There is also a need to encourage marketing of in-house developed technologies so as to open up a wider market for products, services and co-operative relationships. According to the US Science and Technology Group, Inc., intellectual property (IP) comprises as much as 75 per cent of the market value of many businesses.1 Transfer of these technologies helps create new industries, generate employment opportunities and develop a supply network for producing advanced materials and components. Technology and innovation enable businesses to improve their processes, produce more competitive products and make a profit. Technology acquisition and sources The technology acquisition process involves several steps. The first step is the search for a technology. The availability of technologies can be acquired from various information sources directly or indirectly. Vertically linked firms (suppliers and customers) and knowledge pools (e.g. patents, trade fairs, technology fairs and road shows, exhibitions, and trade associations) are among the important sources of technology. In the Philippines, for example, some SMEs acquire information on technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during technology road shows and technology fairs, which
Reprinted from Asia-Pacific Tech Monitor, Sep-Oct 2004 issue, pp. 32-39. Dr. Corazon T. Aragon is Director, Ms. Mylah Rystie B. Uy-Anacleto is Computer Programmer II, and Mr. Leonora P. Matundan is Technical Staff from APEC Centre for Technology Exchanger and Training for SME Science and Technology Park of University of the Philippines. 1

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showcase commercialized technologies or the latest advances in science and technology (S&T). This is one of the initiatives under the DOST-Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Programme (SETUP), which aims to encourage and assist SMEs to implement technological innovations and improvements in their business operations in order to upgrade their productivity and improve competitiveness. Success stones that featured commercialized technologies were provided as reference materials during regional press conferences held in conjunction with the regular technology road shows organized by the DOST-SETUP (PCIERD 2003). The technology fairs also facilitate exchange of information on the investment potential and requirements of promising technologies, and provide a venue for highlighting the accomplishments of scientists, inventors, and researchers. In addition to the technology road shows and technology fairs, the DOST conducts an investors' forum, whereby government and private technology generators, investors, financial institutions and technology adoptors interested in starting or improving technology-based business ventures are brought together to generate technology-based investment opportunities. Other direct sources of technologies are state universities and government and private research organizations. There is an abundance of mature technologies based on researches conducted in these institutions. SMEs can benefit much from many of these technology breakthroughs, which can improve their productivity and efficiency. There are various means by which they can acquire technology information from state universities and research institutions. These include participation in training programmes on specific mature technologies developed by these institutions, acquisition of techno-guides and other publications and reference materials for various technologies and inventions, and availing of free consultancy services provided by these institutions. Examples of widely used local technology publications are the PCARRD Recommends for various technologies and agricultural commodities, the Technology Leads on candle making, meat processing, mould making, tomato processing, vinegar processing, mushroom technology, calamansi processing, banana processing, and coconut food processing, published by the DOST-Institute of Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), and techno-guides prepared by various UPLB units, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Technology Learning Resource Center (TLRC), among others. As regards the provision of technical assistance to SMEs, the DOST has implemented the Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool (STEVP) and the Municipal Science and Technology Advisory Programme (MSTAP). The STEVP brings the scientists to where they are needed - the countryside. Experts are made available free for very short-term technical assistance to cooperatives, non-government organizations (NGOs), and other interested parties. On the other hand, the MSTAP promotes technology-based enterprise development in the countryside by accessing the resources and faculty of academic institutions with assistance from DOST. Apart from these technology transfer modalities, the DOST implements through its Regional Offices, the sector Councils, and the R&D institutes a number of technology transfer programmes in the regions To enhance its technology transfer modalities, the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), for instance, has enhanced its technology transfer modalities in the regions by holding "Major Island Techno Gabay" Conventions. In addition, it operates 129 Farmers' Information and Technology Services (FITS) centres nationwide.2 The Internet is also a valuable source of technology information. Through the internet the following can be achieved:
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y y y

Facilitation of technology exchange activities and contracts among large companies, SMEs, R&D institutions and R&D funding agencies; Creation of an on-line forum as an avenue for technology exchange and technology reviews; Provision of on-line access to information on the latest manufacturing techniques and processes from production experts, and R&D updates from universities, national research laboratories, and industry; On-line consultation with business counsellors for examining and promoting technologies that would benefit SMEs and promote the use of quality standards; and Dissemination of relevant information to encourage SMEs to adopt new technologies and good management practices.

y y

Other means of acquiring technology include networking with research and academic institutions, business information centres, and other business firms that have the financial capability to access foreign or local technologies, in some cases, foreign technologies can be acquired indirectly through the facilitation of technology brokers or intermediaries. APCTT3 mentions the following problems faced by SMEs which necessitate the need for tapping technology transfer intermediaries: y y y Lack of transparency in the technology transfer market (potential suppliers are not readily identifiable since they are not active sellers); National differences in language, business culture, and legal provisions, which frustrate transnational deals; and The difficulty for SMEs to negotiate and draft sound agreement, pricing technology and evaluating alternative technologies.

The advantages of tapping technology transfer intermediaries are as follows: y y y They have wide ranging contacts and vast experience in searching out potential partners quickly and efficiently; They are experienced in transnational cooperation and are closely connected to their clients facilitate negotiations; and They provide support services to their clients.

The rising costs of technology investments lead business owners, whether in the category of SMEs or large enterprises, to resort to outsourcing R&D activities or to purchasing commercialized and readily available technology. This is due to the high cost of investment in R&D that is incurred by enterprises, which, however, for various reasons, fail to fully utilize the technology. To maximize the value of these technology investments, numerous studies have shown that companies resort to patenting and licensing, and later on commercialize their R&D efforts.
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After the search for technology, two steps follow to determine which among the alternative technologies searched will be selected. These are: y y Negotiations (pertaining to technology, terms, territory, and improvements); and Studies on the technical feasibility of adopting the technology and the market feasibility of the product(s) produced, using the new technology as well as due diligence (assessing the nature and value of the technology).

In the Philippines, the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) provides financial assistance to SMEs in the preparation of detailed feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing plans for locally generated technologies. Once a technology has been selected, the next step is business planning (i.e. management, finance and marketing). After the business plan has been satisfactorily done, the technology developer should take care of the legal aspects before the technology is transferred (agreements, contract, IPR, and registration), while the SME should look for funding to finance the technology acquisition and adoption (grants, equity, loans, and venture capital). In the Philippines, the DOST-Grant-in-aid (GIA) or Venture Financing Programme is made available for venture financing to qualified SME-beneficiaries to cover the cost of acquisition and fabrication of critical production equipment and working capital. Technical assistance and expertise may also be provided. Financial assistance is payable in two years without interest, provided the firm complies with the agreed schedule of repayment.4 The programme aims to accelerate the initial commercialization of new technologies and inventions by providing the necessary funding support to start up the project. The last step in the technology acquisition process is launching (adapting, team building, planning and implementing). Since some technologies have been developed on a laboratory scale, there is a need to pilot the technology through a commercial or larger scale. This can be done through a technology business incubator. Through the technology business incubator, the DOST assists start-up technology enterprises to achieve commercial operations by providing optimum conditions for growth such as common service facilities, management advisory services, and technical assistance, among others. Moreover, the DOST extends financial assistance for the establishment and operation of a viable pilot plant to enhance the transfer and adoption of DOST-generated technologies. On-line technology sources This section presents various on-line technology sources for SMEs in the Philippines. The Asia Pacific region abounds with new technologies developed and business opportunities created everyday. Many SMEs are not able to take advantage of these technology and business opportunities because they are not well informed. Entrepreneurs need to allot a portion of their valuable time to search through numerous websites looking for resources to match their technology and other business needs, a tedious and costly task, especially for those without broadband access.

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In response to this need, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), as an organization that seeks to achieve closer economic cooperation through increased trade and investment flows, continually initiates activities to improve access of SMEs to technology and market information, build new support networks, and develop human resources. An interesting project initiated by the Philippine government is the development of an SME information resource hub through the APEC Centre for Technology Exchange and Training for Small and Medium Enterprises (ACTETSME). It was envisioned to be a centre that would harness the resources of APEC member economies to support the sustainable development and growth of SMEs in the region. ACTETSME opportunities ACTETSME's mission is to foster and promote technology exchange and training among SMEs in the APEC region by providing relevant, authoritative and accessible information to individual firms and SMEs, to organizations of SMEs and to agencies of governments mandated to promote and assist in the development of SMEs. Currently, the ACTETSME is under the management of the College of Economics and Management (CEM) of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB). UPLB houses a science community made up of institutions that offer technical consultancies, R&D and training opportunities; including one of the strongest academic programmes on information Technology in the country. The strong linkage of ACTETSME and the UPLB Science Community helps to enhance the capacities of SMEs. The ACTETSME contributes to the efforts of the APEC to facilitate technology transfer among APEC economies through the inclusion of a Technology Resource Page in the ACTETSME website.5 Through the Technology Opportunities section, ACTETSME website visitors and clients can post their technology offers and requests through an online form. The data they submit through the electronic form is received and validated by the ACTETSME staff before posting to the website. Currently, the Technology Opportunities Section holds data on technology offers and requests from the following institutions: UPLB, UN APCTT, and Technological Information Promotion System (TIPS). In addition, individuals and private firms from various countries have posted technology offers and requests free for inclusion in the website. Through the provision of a technology resource section, technology information, such as competitive hard and soft technologies, is shared and disseminated to Internet users. SMEs can take advantage of this opportunity to access a wide range of technology information and find matching technology for their enterprise. Better still, SMEs can start commercializing their R&D efforts by posting technology offers. The Technology Opportunities section also contains links to websites providing agriculture and agro-industry technology information. These are organized by the APEC member economy Links to websites of various technology exchange institutions and green technologies are also available.

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The ACTETSME coordinates with its partner organizations in the acquisition of technology information. The Centre collaborates and participates in various activities on SME development. As a member of the SME Development Council, ACTETSME works closely with the DTI. Through this collaboration, ACTETSME is provided with data on con-tact information of SMEs in the Philippines. The ACTETSME local network also consists of other government agencies, such as the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP-ISSI), the DOST-ITDI, DOST-TAPI and the Philippine Council for industry and Energy Research and Development (DOST-PCIERD). A number of international institutions hyperlink with one another and exchange information with the ACTETSME. Among them are: APCTT, TIPS, UNDP WINNER Network and the International SME Network sponsored by FISME. Other associations of private companies and cooperatives also belong to its network. Technology offers from UPLB have heen posted since 2003, and so far have gained interest from various firms, as indicated in the inquiries that the ACTETSME has received. Any of the ACTETSME's website clients interested in a technology from UPLB can access specific information such as: y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y Technology developer; Contact information; Company profile; Areas of application; Advantages; Economic data related to the use of the technology; Payback period; Production capacity; Inputs required; Manpower required; Raw materials; Stage of development; Transfer forms; Environmental impact; Target countries; Source of information; and The date it was posted.

The ACTETSME assists interested parties in coordinating with UPLB to notify the technology developer concerned. Inquiries on specific technologies posted on the ACTETSME website from partner organizations (e.g. APCTT) are referred directly to the agency concerned for validation and coordination. Other Philippine on-line technology sources Dissemination of information on food processing technologies through the PCIERD website. The Food Technology website5 of DOST-PCIERD is an important source of information for entrepreneurs interested in improving food processing technologies. This is a project of the PCIERD that also aims to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the food industry.
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Over 437 food technologies gathered from various agencies that undertake food R&D are included in the compendium of food technologies (PCIERD 2003). With interactive web services over the Internet, the compendium uses a browser-based application system that facilitates searching and referencing capability. The DOST-SETUP website The SETUP programme is a project of the DOST that aims to promote county-wide development by helping SMEs. It has a website4 that holds information on mature technologies for commercialization. Any of the DOST-SETUPs website clients interested in technology from DOST can access specific information such as: y y y y y y y y y The sector that will benefit from the technology; The technology and product description; The technology developer; Plant capacity; Total project cost; Financing scheme; Unit production cost; Gross sales; and Profitability/financial viability measures, such as gross profit, net income, payback period, and internal rate of return.

Commodities DOST PCARRD delivers information and technology services through the creation and maintenance of seven on-line information networks on the following: horticulture, agricultural machinery, agroforestry, mango, bamboo, poultry and swine. Horticulture The HORTINET website7 serves as a major source of technology information on horticulture crops in the Philippines. It is a one-stop-shop information site on the Philippine horticulture industry. The major objective of HORTINET is to operationalize a sustainable and relevant information service that caters to the needs of the horticulture stakeholders. Specifically, HORTINET aims to: y y Source, package and disseminate information according to the needs of the horticulture stakeholders; and Formulate strategy to sustain HORTINET services.

It is pursued under the auspices of the DOST-SETUP PCARRD takes the lead in the implementation of the project in collaboration with DOST offices in Mindanao. Currently, the website holds information on technologies developed for the following commodities: fruits (e.g., durian, papaya, banana, and pineapple); vegetables (e.g., tomato, potato, and carrots); and ornamentals (e.g. cut flowers, orchids, and cut foliage).

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Agricultural machinery The Agricultural Machinery Information Network (AgMachIN) seeks to disseminate information of breakthroughs in technology related to Agricultural Machinery. The website currently contains information on some of the technologies developed by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and the National Agricultural Engineering Research and Development Networks (AERDE) of the PCARRD. Agroforestry Substantial data and information on Agroforestry have been locally generated through the years, but most of these remain unconsolidated and largely unexplored. The AFIN website9 is an important tool for enhancing the dissemination of available information and technologies generated from various R&D activities, and is envisioned to eventually be a computer-based data bank that will serve as repository of knowledge/information on the commodity. This on-line project hopes to encourage mutual support, interconnection, and sharing of information and information facilities among sectors engaged in the agroforestry systems development. Bamboo The website10 currently holds data on technologies developed to be able to fully utilize bamboo and bamboo products for livelihood projects and other business ventures. Some of the technologies featured have won awards as outstanding creative research. The website also contains sections on features of various researches that aim to maintain and improve bamboo productivity. Mango The Mango Information Network (MIN) (http://www.min.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/) is an information service designed to serve the information needs of key players in the Philippine mango industry. The website contain a wealth of information such as: y y y y y y y Featured technology; Market information dervices; Policy; R&D; Mango Publication; Mango recipe; and MIN Products among others.

It has established satellite nodes in Zambales, Iloilo, Davao and PCARRD as its central node. Swine The Swine Information Network (SwIN) aims to disseminate relevant and useful information to various stakeholders in the swine industry. Information posted in the SwIN
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website (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/SWIN/) is categorized as follows: y y y y y y Poultry This website (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/poultry/) provides indispensable and readily accessible information essential to the different stakeholders in the poultry industry. It is a one-stop-shop of information concerning the poultry commodity obtainable through the net. The website contains useful information such as: y y y y y Featured technology; Industry facts; Industry status; Publications; and Activities. Featured technology; Industry status; Publication; Industry facts; Activities; and Related links; among others.

PCARRD website The PCARRD portal11 continues to serve as a conduit of information on PCARRD technologies and activities. Commodity information is organized into the following categories: Agricultural Resources, Crops, Forestry and Environment, Livestock, and Socio-Economics. Commodity information: Agricultural engineering The Agricultural Engineering section of the PCARRD website (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin Agricultural percent 20Engineering/technologies.html) seeks to disseminate information on breakthroughs in the development, manufacture and operations of all Types of agricultural tools, implements, machines, buildings, and structures for agricultural land development, farm production, crop harvesting, and primary processing of products and by-products, and energy resource utilization. The technologies section currently contains a list of technologies developed through various agricultural engineering programmes. It contains information on the agency that developed the technology, the year it was reported and the status of the technology. The Agricultural Engineering R&D Programme (AMRDP) focuses on providing the necessary tools, implements and machines for basic domestic and export commodities. It also works on other important concerns such as local manufacture of widely accepted imported agricultural equipment: benchmark survey; impact and policy studies; and establishing/formulating a comprehensive Philippine Agricultural Standards for production machinery, materials, and structures. The Programme aims to make available appropriate agricultural engineering technologies for the production, post harvest and processing of farm products and by-products:
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and provide accurate and timely information on the review, formulation and implementation of policies and structures of the agriculture and national resources system (Source: http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/Agriculturalpercent20Engineenng/programs html). One-stop shop The Information One Stop Shop of the DOST-ITDI provides vital technical information for prospective and existing entrepreneurs. Remote clients need not visit ITDI for their technology or information needs. Requisition forms are readily available on-line. Case studies This section presents three case studies, illustrating selected SMEs that have been successful in their business ventures through various means of technology acquisition. Case 1 - Wine processing [Adopted and summarized from the DOST Case Story Series published by DOST and SERDEF in 2000.] This case relates lo the experiences of Mr. Ramon Revelo in sourcing technology to improve the quality of nipa wine processed in his existing plant. In 1990, Mr. Revelo had three distilling facilities with a combined capacity of processing 100 litres of fermented nipa sap daily. However, he encountered two problems in his plant operation: (1) The wine quality was inconsistent due to the use of crude and basic equipment; and (2) Firewood being used as fuel was becoming scarce. He attended the first technology fair sponsored by DOST in Surigao City in 1994 to get acquainted with the latest advances in technology and to seek advice on how to solve his production problems. He wanted to replace his facilities with an efficient distillation set-up to improve the volume and quality of his product. Through the assistance of the stall of the Provincial DOST S&T Centres, a team of two DOST ITDI staff visited his plant and evaluated his distillation units. Their specific recommendations were as follows: y ITDI would design a 200-litre capacity distilling equipment of stainless steel, complete with accessories, to monitor the temperature of the still; a hydrometer to measure the alcohol content (proof) in the distillate; and a furnace which could use wood, coal, diesel, or LPG. An ebullometer was needed to measure the alcohol content of the fermented nipa sap prior to distillation. With this, the amount of distilled wine that would be recovered could be estimated. He was also advised to purchase two sets of coil condensers of stainless steel (to replace the existing ones), each one with a cover to prevent water spillage and to facilitate cooling of a bigger volume of water.

Availing of grants-in-aid from DOST-CARAGA and using the ITDI design of the new distillation equipment, he was able to upgrade his processing facilities. With the installation of the first distilling equipment, Mr. Revelo was able to double his raw material to 200 litres of nipa sap per day. With two additional units of distilling equipment, his daily raw material increased fourfold to 400 litres. Daily output increased from 40 litres to 120 litres of nipa wine. Moreover, the quality of nipa wine became more consistent. It has now a higher and
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uniform alcohol content of 50 proof compared to 20 proof previously. Conversion rate from nipa sap to wine also improved from a ratio 014:1 to 3.5:1. He attributed the increase in yield to the improved design of the distillation equipment, which minimized the amount of vapour escaping from the still. Fuel expenses likewise declined by almost 50 percent, while processing time decreased from 8 hours to 6 hours. Due to the marked improvement in product quality and yield as well as the reduction in his fuel expenses, his monthly income increased ten-fold from PhP 3,000 to PhP 30,000. Case 2 - Canned products Moon Dish Co. approached the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Council (FNRI) to look for new product lines to venture into, since its bakeshop business was not doing well financially. The company learned that the FNRI had a shopping list of food processing technologies that were available for commercialization. From the list of food processing technologies, the product selected by the company was canned, ready-to-eat laing (taro leaves in coconut cream). The company had a contract with FNRI for the latter to provide technical assistance to the company for the production of canned ready-to-eat laing on a small-scale. After the termination of the contract with FNRI, the company sought the assistance of DOST-ITDI for the development of a canning procedure for this product since the company was ready for large-scale or commercial production. With the assistance provided by ITDI, production facilities of the company were scaled up. The market success of canned ready-to-eat laing encouraged Moon Fish Co. to again seek The assistance of FNRI and ITDI to develop new ready-to-eat product lines such as ginatiaang puso ng saging (banana blossoms in coconut cream), ginataang camansi (bread-nut in coconut cream), Bicol Express (green chili pepper in coconut cream), ginataang halo-halo, ginataang mongo (mungbean in coconut cream), and ginataang mais (corn in coconut cream). The growing popularity of these ready-to-eat canned products brought in more invitations to the company to participate in national trade fairs, particularly those organized by the Centre for International Trade Exposition and Mission-FAME (CITEM-FAME). Very quickly these products appeared in many supermarkets in Metro Manila and the company's export volume of these products has expanded. Case 3 - Mango roll products Three years ago, the DOST-ITDI show-cased a new mango roll product that the Institute had developed at an Investment Forum to prospective investors. At that time, the only processed mango products available in the local market were dried mango and mango juice. Sprigs Co. attended the Investment Forum and showed interest in venturing into the mango roll business. Since the company had no processing facilities for this purpose, the company rented processing facilities at ITDI under a business incubator arrangement. The ITDI designed a processing line for the company and designed a mango drier for fabrication. During the pilot production process, the ITDI staff conducted hands-on training for the personnel of the company. The mango roll products produced during the pilot production stage were used in conducting a market test to assess the consumer acceptability of tills product. Market testing was undertaken during the International Food Exposition (IPEX) sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-CITEM. Moreover, the Packaging Research and Development Centre of ITDI provided technical assistance in designing attractive packaging materials for the product. Due to various forms of technical assistance provided by DOST-ITDI, Gracias Co. is now exporting mango roll products to the USA, Japan, and Guam, and sells this product in various supermarkets in the country.
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Conclusion The cases presented in this article highlight the technical and economic benefits that SMEs in the Philippines can derive from technology acquisition through participation in technology road shows and trade fairs and through consultation with technical experts from research organizations like DOST. It is worth noting that these technology road shows and exhibitions are good promotional activities too, since they create initial awareness of technology innovations, which eventually leads to consultation and other forms of assistance such as technology-based investment opportunities, and venture financing. One of the major challenges of Philippine SMEs lies in the area of technology development and acquisition. Small entrepreneurs in the Philippines need expert technical assistance, especially in the process of selection of technology, implementation and technical collaboration, both at domestic and international levels. Strong support from the Philippine government is needed to effectively disseminate information regarding availability of technologies as well as the existing activities and programmes. The same is true with other technology sources such as universities and other government funded research institutions and business information centres. It was observed that the promotional activities of these institutions are fragmented, with each institution promoting only its own technologies. There is a need for a central repository of technology information such as those offered by the ACTETSME and APCTT. These organizations have existing linkages with R&D institutions and other Technology generators as well as with financial institutions and technology adoptors. It cannot be overemphasized that SMEs need assistance from these institutions in the selection and evaluation of technology so as to gain competence in adopting technology even from other countries, if necessary, to improve their local operations. In the Philippines, there is a need to fast-track the full operationalization of the ACTETSME, which is envisioned to serve as a resource centre, with capabilities in information networking, mobilization of training opportunities for the absorption and upgrading of technical know-how, and the organization of SME-targeted activities to syndicated technology transfer projects. Additional assistance in the form of venture financing or grant-in-aid has also provided some SME-beneficiaries the much needed capital to cover the cost of acquisition or fabrication of critical production equipment and working capital. These extension activities are of paramount importance to the upgrading of SMEs in the Philippines. Although technology acquisition and selection may not require large investment, expenses will be incurred in the actual technology incubation process. While various on-line technology sources abound in the Philippines, there is a dearth of information on how many SMEs have actually benefited from these technology information websites and how they have utilized the information they acquired online. It is, therefore, imperative that monitoring should be undertaken by the organizations and institutions maintaining these websites to assess whether it is worthwhile continuing this activity. Continuous recording and checking may further boost their efforts in examining and promoting activities that would greatly benefit SMEs.

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References 1. US Science and Technology Group, Inc.: Enabling Global IP Transfer and Innovative Product
Marketing, http://www.usstg.com.

2. The PCARRD Monitor, October-December 2003. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry,
and Natural Resources Research and Development, Laguna, The Philippines, Vol. 31, No. 4.

3. Kotelnikov,

Vadim, Ten3 Business E-coach: Technology http://www.1000ventures.com/technology_transfer/techacquisition_main.html.

Transfer,

4. Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading program (SETUP), http://setup.dost.gov.ph. 5. APEC Centre for Technology Exchange and Training for Small and Medium Enterprises Website
(http://www.actetsme.org/techopps.html).

6. DOST-Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD).
http://www.pcierd.dost.gov.ph.

7. The 8. The

Horticulture Information (http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph.

Network Network Network

(HORTINET), (AgMachIN), (AFIN), (BAMBOONET),

Website Website Website Website

Agricultural Machinery Information (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/agmachin). Agroforestry Information (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/AFIN).

9. The

10. The

Bamboo information Network (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/bamboonet).

11. DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCARRD), Website (http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph).

12. DOST-Institute

of Industrial Technology (http://www.mis.dost.gov.ph/itdi/seivices/rtid/irc/htm).

Development

Institute,

Website

Bibliography
Abilay, Jose Marie M. et al. 2001.DOST and the Production Sector. DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute and Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation, Inc. Quezon City, The Philippines. Annual Report 2003, Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development. Programs, and Services for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, 2003. Department of Trade and Industry; Japan International Cooperation Agency.

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