Abstract:

This work presents a national map on the “Offer of Mathematical Technology by Spanish research Groups”; it summarizes data of a report developed by the Consulting Platform within the i-MATH Consolider Project (more information: www.i-math.org). The Project proposes a complete activity research program for Spanish mathematics, with the purpose of promoting and carrying out strategic actions of national scope that qualitatively and quantitatively increase the mathematical presence on the international scene, and in the Spanish system of science, technology and business and on the international scene.

To carry on the Technological Offer map (TransMATH Offer) an inquiry has been drawn up to understand the initial situation and the corresponding evolution of each one of the research groups of the i-MATH Project. The final goal is to uncover the groups with a real potential in transfer of knowledge or with experience in this field, to know its abilities in carrying out industrial projects, its participations in formative activities supported by companies and its Mathematical Consulting offer. The report presented updates of two other previously completed maps, with the goal of studying the evolution of activities related to technology transfer since 2006 when the i-MATH Project started.

This analysis summarizes, by means of statistical table and graphs, the data of the groups that replied to the inquiry and related to the mathematical technology transfer to the industrial sector. Specifically, the mathematical techniques used by these groups, their experiences in developing and utilizing commercial software, in R&D&i technology transfer (contracts, training courses, consulting activities and customers) are taken into account. Moreover, the same inquiry gives a global vision about the geographical distribution of those groups with more potential in transfer, emphasizing on those sectors that seem more suitable “to approach” for technology transfer.

By analyzing this map one can detect a certain lack in some fields, but also a significant promotion of different subjects or interesting discovery of scientific-technological opportunities. As a result, it is possible to act in those aspects in which the present situation of Spanish mathematics does not offer appropriate feedback with respect to its economic development and, at the same time, keep benefitting those fields or themes in which a strong and notable international position already exists.
The data presented herein tries to encourage all interested researchers in “seeing” mathematical technological transfer as a real opportunity that can take a strong part in the global social-economic improvement of our country. On the other hand, this map wants companies to know the abilities of those Spanish research groups in carrying out profitable mathematical technological transfer actions to the private, industrial and business sectors.

To sum up, we intend to raise awareness to not only researchers but also business managers within the commercial sector for proposing new joint strategies leading to growth in Company-University cohesion. The goals being general development, encouraging the annual increase of interesting initiatives, such “alliances”, agreements or projects between research groups and companies, or R&D&i activities that count on the direct participation of companies and industries (transfer workshops and forums, modelling weeks, consulting meetings, and so on).

Keywords:

Mathematical Technology Transfer, University-Industry Collaboration.