The world of technology financing is little understood by those outside the field. Among the key complementary assets required for successful commercialization and innovation of technology are financial resources and the ability to mobilize such resources. The Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI), highlights its experience with technology financing in this publication. The various instruments and rationale for technology financing are clearly explained with references to some of the practical experiences of the ICICI. Technology financing for competitiveness necessitates a multifaceted strategy. Among the instruments discussed are: equity and venture capital initiatives; programmes to accelerate the commercialization of technologies; prototype development; scaling-up to pilot plant production; grant financing; conditional grant financing; environmental and service oriented programmes; short and long term loan facilities; technical assistance; credit and incentives schemes; and technology portfolio management practices. The author provides cogent insights into the structure and scale of these instruments, in addition to the terms and conditions that would facilitate commercial application of research, particularly within developing countries.

Technology Innovation and Commercialization Series

Promoting and strengthening the linkages between university-based research and the business community is a subject of strong current interest to researchers, industrialists, financiers and practitioners from a variety of disciplines.

This set of publications aim to clarify and elaborate the salient issues which confront all those who operate within this global science and technology arena.

Essential reading for managers of research, policy-makers and industrialists. Also ideal for participants in research management training.