Baguio City – The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to translate domestically developed innovative technologies into tangible commercialization through close collaboration among the government, research institutions, and the industry. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently reaffirmed its commitment to actively support the commercialization of nationwide research and development (R&D) outputs at the opening ceremony of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit held for the Northern Luzon region.

Undersecretary Maria Teresa De Guzman, who read the message of Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang of DOST, urged scientists, innovators, and technology developers to move beyond laboratory success and bring their ideas to the market.

In his statement, Undersecretary Mabborang emphasized, "Your science must work for the people and solve real problems. All research results must be translated into responsible reports and tangible technologies."

The summit highlighted the crucial point that research outcomes, including government-funded research, should not remain confined within academic or scientific institutions. Instead, these innovative technologies should be developed into products or services that benefit industries, communities, and the wider population.

Undersecretary Mabborang asserted that commercialization is not merely a technical or entrepreneurial challenge but a public responsibility. He stated, "The value of our research is only realized when it is used to improve the lives of our people."

DOST is operating various initiatives to support innovators seeking to bridge the gap between research and practical application. These include funding support, assistance with intellectual property registration, and incubation programs where researchers can receive guidance through the commercialization process.

A notable success story of these efforts is a project in Itogon, Benguet Province. The DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) collaborated with a local chocolate manufacturer, Dulche Chocolates, to enhance the quality of locally grown cacao beans. This partnership enabled cacao farmers to produce beans that meet international standards, allowing the small company to meet increasing global demand.

Initiatives like these demonstrate how technology transfer and innovation can directly contribute to economic development and social progress. Undersecretary Mabborang also emphasized that commercialization is a key performance indicator in the global innovation landscape.

He noted, "Technology commercialization is a measure of a nation's innovation success and influences the Philippines' ranking in the Global Innovation Index," (Source: The Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) comprehensively evaluates the innovation capabilities of countries.)

To enhance the impact of R&D, DOST has launched the "Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship through Commercialization of HEI/RDI Output for Greater Regional Opportunities and Wealth Creation (TECHGROW)" initiative. This program specifically focuses on promoting the transfer and practical application of government-funded research, particularly in regional areas.

By converting research findings into practical applications, TECHGROW aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and market readiness, foster entrepreneurship across regions, and ensure that marginalized communities, in particular, directly benefit from technological advancements that lead to increased productivity, job creation, and improved quality of life, thereby simultaneously targeting wealth creation and inclusive development. (More detailed information on the TECHGROW program can be found on the official DOST website or related news articles.)

Undersecretary Mabborang further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions to enhance the dissemination and accessibility of innovative technologies.

He stated, "We aim to ensure that every peso invested in research yields value not only in knowledge creation but also in innovation adoption, economic contribution, and social impact."

Furthermore, he pointed out the importance of fostering a culture of innovation where creative thinking and applied science are embedded in education and business strategies. By nurturing young innovators and providing opportunities for cross-sector partnerships, the country can accelerate the development of scalable and sustainable technologies that align with national priorities.

The summit also served as a platform for sharing successful case studies, allowing participants to learn from their peers and explore viable ways to replicate success stories in their own fields.

Through initiatives like TECHGROW and the continuous support of DOST, the Philippines is building a stronger digital innovation ecosystem where research is commercialized and adopted to drive national development. (The Philippine government is implementing various policies to build a digital innovation ecosystem, including supporting startups and building digital infrastructure.)