TUI 2011 - Conference on Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation

Conference on Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation
Organized by the Lincoln University Technology Users' Innovation (TUI) Group. June 13-14, 2011, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand.

http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/tui-innovation-conf
Background
It is well known that universities and other research agencies produce R&D, which is acknowledged as a key source of invention for commercialisation. Innovation governance in most countries expressly addresses this source of economic growth. What is less recognised, however, is the role of inventors outside formal organisations. Often, these are technology users who, as inventors, develop the technology and embark on the innovation process. They are a source of R&D that can also be commercialised and contribute to economic growth. This source is less well studied and, typically, is not given sufficient recognition in innovation governance. There is a need for a better understanding of technology users who innovate (TUI) and their contribution to the economy.
Objectives
1. Review the scientific knowledge underpinning innovation and commercialisation with special emphasis given to technology user innovation (TUI). Identify key areas where new knowledge is required.
2. Provide a forum for information exchange and networking among scholars, policy-makers and inventors. Encourage international collaborations.
Expected Attendees and Paper Topics
The conference is open to people who practice invention, those who study them, those concerned with promoting commercialisation of invention, and those concerned with innovation policy. This mix of people will provide an engaging combination to ensure that innovation ecology is given proper attention. The focus will be on integrating information and ideas from multiple perspectives in order to better recognise, understand, and promote the commercialisation of invention.
Papers can be on any topic relevant to the focus of the conference-inventors and commercialisation. It is expected that the presentations will cover such topics as:

Invention from the inventors' point of view

The latest research about inventors and the process of invention

How research and practice can inform our understanding of the commercialisation process

How research can contribute to advancing policy formulation

The latest policy deliberations regarding invention and innovation ecology

The economic contribution of invention, and

Social and cultural settings that facilitate commercialisation of invention
Conference Design and Format
A keynote address
Conference Papers (expected length-20 minutes)
Round Table discussions
Networking time and space
Conference Location
The conference is to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch, one of Christchurch's premiere hotels. The Crowne Plaza is ideally located overlooking Victoria Square with fabulous views across the City and to the Southern Alps. The hotel is adjacent to the Casino, physically linked to the Christchurch convention centre and town hall and within walking distance of the boutique shops and attractions of the city including the Cathedral, Arts Centre, Tram and the Botanic Gardens. The Crowne Plaza has agreed to the discounted rate of $160NZD ($110 USD or 87 Euro) per night for all people attending the conference.
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and popular activities which can be found near to Christchurch include: skiing, bungy jumping, dolphin and seal swimming, hiking and wine-tasting.
Conference Fee
Conference registration is $200 NZD for professionals and $150 NZD for students. Registration includes entry to all sessions, the conference booklet and time schedule, morning/afternoon tea, lunch each day and a banquet dinner on Monday, June 13th.
Travel Grants
All individuals submitting an abstract will be considered for a modest travel grant (multiple grants will be given) with preference given to those travelling from destinations outside of New Zealand. Please note that June is the off season in New Zealand and airfares this time of year are generally quite reasonable.
Abstract Submission Form
Abstracts can be submitted online from October 5, 2010 with submissions due by January 15, 2011. Submitters will be notified of acceptance by January 31, 2011.
Conference Registration
Conference registration will begin January 31, 2011 and close February 28, 2011. A form for registration will be available from this site at that time.