Biomedical Research Councils: Their Role and Function in Transferring Information

Abstract

Biomedical research plays a great part in promoting not only advances in scientific knowledge but also in the continuous flow of technological innovations in health care. One of the first conditions for the successful transformation of research into an innovation is overcoming the divisions between science and technology, between the researchers and their partners in the innovation process.

Biomedical Research Councils (BMRCs) have an important role in the transfer of information. To improve the chances of successful developments and transfers of scientific breakthroughs, the BMRCs must adopt new, comprehensive strategies for such transfer. They must learn to recognize as early as possible which new opportunities hold promise, at which stage of development information should be transferred to other areas of expertise, and which target groups in which fields should be made partners in the research.