| Annual Report (2001-2002) | ||
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| 1. Genesis & Objectives |
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| 1.1 Aims Waterfalls Institute of Technology Transfer (WITT) was founded on 2nd January 1994 with the objective to undertake scientific research in the areas of technology development, transfer, adoption, absorption and upgradation of technology and in particular environment friendly technologies; and thus endeavour to extend the frontiers of knowledge in the areas of applied sciences. The activities and functions of the Institute in pursuance of the objective will include: collect, analyse, process and package technological information for wider diffusion; organise training for appropriate personnel engaged in the development and transfer of technologies; and assist, arrange or provide consultancy relating to technologies, in particular, newly emerging technologies. In fulfilling the above objectives and goals, the Institute provides wide range of services, such as Status and Survey Reports, Analytical Projections, Policy Inputs, Training and Training Manuals, Publications and Updates, Technology Demonstrations, Information Packages, Technology Forecast & Assessment, Technology Adoption and Absorption, Technology Upgradation and Diffusion, Technology Profiles, and also advisory services to in-house R&D units in industry and scientific research foundations. The Institute strives for excellence in Engineering and Technology; New Advances in Medical Applications; Legal Matters concerning Intellectual Property, negotiations & contracts, arbitration, dispute settlement, privatisation, etc; and Information, including technology source, consultancy, institutions, collaborations, case studies, etc. WITT's endeavour is to remain competitive on one side and on the other efficiently diffuse its findings to a large number of executing agencies, Govt departments and international organisations. 1.2 Members The Membership of the Institute mainly consists of Founder Members, Executive Members, and Distinguished Members, the total of these three groups not exceeding 72. In addition there could be Patron and Institutional Members, without voting rights. Prof P M Bakshi, a distinguished member of the Institute, passed away and the Institute recalls the contribution made by him. The Institute enjoys the whole-hearted support of eminent leading personalities in the fields of science and technology, law and medical sciences. Lists of its Founder Members, Executive Members, and Distinguished Members, as on 31st March 2002, are given on pages 40 to 44. |
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| 2. Registration ,Recognition and Approval |
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| 2.1 Registration After the formation of the Waterfalls Institute of Technology Transfer on 2nd January 1994, the Institute was registered as a non-profit society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and Certificate of Registration was obtained on 15th April, 1994.
The Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Societies,
Delhi Administration, Delhi bears the number: S-25859 of 1994. 2.2 Recognition as Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation The Institute had been granted recognition by the Ministry of Science & Technology (DSIR) for the period 3rd June 1994 to 31st March 1996 and this was extended for further periods of three years at a time. The Ministry has extended the recognition to the Institute recently for a further period of three years, ie, up to 31st March 2005. The reference number of the communication from DSIR is: 11/304/94-TU-V dated 18 April 2002. 2.3 Approval Under Income Tax Act The Institute had approached the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance to obtain approval under Section 35(i) (ii) of Income Tax Act so that all financial contributions to Institute are eligible for 100% exemption under the Income Tax Act. The Department of Revenue had issued the approval for the period 3rd June, 1994 to 31st March, 1996 and thereafter the approval had been extended up to 31st March 1999. This approval was further extended through communication F.No.203/26/2000-ITA-II dated 16 February, 2000 and the approval was valid upto 31-3-2002. The Institute's application for further extension is under consideration. 2.4 F C R A The Institute had applied for registration under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act to the Home Ministry. The Ministry had advised that the Institute may obtain approvals from time to time as and when some contributions are offered to the Institute. |
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| 3. A BRIEF PROJECT PROFILE | ||
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3.1 Introduction Technology is the key to development. India has recognised the role of technology in economic development and in fact the very first sentence of the Scientific Policy Resolution of March 1958 reads: "The key to national prosperity, apart from the spirit of the people, lies in the modern age, in the effective combination of three factors: Technology, Raw Materials and Capital, of which the first is most important, since the creation and adoption of new technique can in fact, make up for deficiency in natural resources and reduce the demand on capital". However, unlike science, technology is traded and sold at prices which market can bear, stretched to the maximum price in most of the cases. Since over 95% of the research and development expenditure is invested in the advanced developed countries, they have a hold on technology; often a developing country buyer of a new technology is unable to get the access to the same; in fact even denied access, on some ground or the other. If one finally gets the same, in some cases very high prices and onerous conditions are attached. In the last few years, access to technologies has become even more difficult, with new regimes of controls imposed on the transfer. Even relatively simpler technologies are not readily available for transfer due to the criteria of dual use; the possibility of a technology being put to uses beyond the purpose for which it was contracted for. Thus, in the present global scenario technology needs in India and many developing countries are still to be met by imports and often with difficulty and on difficult terms.
3.2 Major Areas in the Technology Transfer Domain Information about availability, sources and services will enable to get better technology or a technology at more favourable price. New technologies in the area of biotechnology, new materials, space applications, telecommunications, etc have made the subject much more of a synthesis of diverse disciplines brought to bear on a specific issue, product or service. Keeping such factors in view, the Institute will organise its workforce and programme in four major areas: Engineering and Technology; Medical Sciences; Legal Matters; and Information. While publications and reports arising from the scientific research in these four areas will make their own impact, the Institute will endeavour to excel in the projects undertaken by virtue of its expertise in these four groups. Training and demonstrations are obvious types of projects the Institute will organise. It will also undertake specific projects from agencies on a contractual basis.
The broad areas covered in this group include: Environment Friendly Technologies, Energy Related Technologies, Water & Water Related Problems, Capital Goods Industry and New & Emerging Technologies. a) A list of Environment Friendly Technologies covering the small and medium industries having lower capital investment and the larger sector dealing with aspects of wastes, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal can be prepared. Case studies involving their potential for wider use can also be collected and documented, after critically analysing and evaluating their levels of efficiency and potential for improvement. Substitutes for ozone depleting substances and new technologies for them could also be studied. b) Technologies for energy conservation in the conventional areas of power generation, transmission and utilisation could be collected, analysed and disseminated in a packaged form to suit specific end-users. This can also attempt to introduce newer and faster methods of construction of hydroelectric and thermal power plants. Efficacy and appropriateness of non-conventional energy sources in areas such as hydrogen energy, waves, tides, and energy uses in the transport sector can be a major area of investigation. Technology assessment of energy intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, aluminium and ceramics, can also be studied and international comparisons made and technology gaps identified and quantified to the extent possible. c) Technology development in water prospecting, water recovery and recycling industries can receive high priority. Drinking water technologies to render available water potable could be pursued. Biotechnology applications of water treatment, pricing of water, legal aspects relating to water sharing and technological solutions in this area could be given a very high priority. d) Capital goods is a critical input in industrialisation. Trends in advances of capital goods can be monitored and scenarios projected to facilitate appropriate choice consistent with the technology adopted. Source directories of capital goods required in specific industry, such as cement, power equipments, auto industry, paper, aluminium and earthmoving machinery can be prepared and comparative analysis of their utility projected. Attention to enhance the performance of indigenous capital goods manufacture can be projected. e) Recent advances in the areas, such as biotechnology, new materials, non-conventional energy sources, micro electronics, informatics and ocean development have started transforming the technological scenes very rapidly. Assessment of new technology development and forecasting them to end users to facilitate tie-ups could be given priority. 3.2.2 Medical Sciences Advances in medical sciences have been very impressive in the last decade and many advances made are now getting packaged in new black boxes for transfer. The recent developments in biotechnology and instrumentation are a major know-how area of wide technology gaps between developed and developing countries. The Institute is hoping to play a lead role in this sector. a) Hospital Services - Acute shortage of modern hospitals for secondary and tertiary levels of treatment and services is being felt in India and in the countries around. A lot of interest in building such hospitals including many by the NRIs, is therefore opening up opportunities for technology transfer. The Institute can assist to collect information on potential investment and services opportunities and analyse to determine appropriate induction of technologies, in particular equipments, and design the infrastructure to ensure a high level of efficiency in the rendering of services at the hospitals. b)
Health Care - This subject covers a wide area and the Institute can focus
attention on a need based manner. Technology Information service will
be on the channels to alert recent advances and experiences of other agencies
in or outside India, potential areas being: immunisation; cold chain in
the transportation link of vaccines; early detection of diseases, like
cancer, cardiac problems and diabetic complications; developments of kits
for self administration and monitoring of stable conditions; technology
transfer for such kits for mass diffusion. d) Instrumentation - Advances in the area of eletronics, telematics and new materials have enabled miniaturisation of devices, ability to transfer information of large mangnitudes over considerable distances to facilitate diganosis, and opened up opportunities for invasive technique to be more efficiently carried out on live patients. Computer aided search, evaluation and storing and presenting of data have also enormously increased to the extent of prior and external preparations thereby reducing the time needed to perform surgeries even of a very complicated nature. Laser based instruments have widened the scope of combating human suffering and early recovery and their applications have enabled operations of interior ligaments and tissues including those in the cereberal or other vital organs of the human body. The Institute can identify a selected group of instruments needed in laboratories and surgery, and bring out information packages facilitating the choices of institutions and organisations. 3.2.3 Legal Matters Technology transfer is a matter of a contractual arrangement between the supplier and the acquirer. Negotiations and contracts are therefore a part of every transaction. Disputes do arise due to varied perceptions or due to changed values following changed circumstances during the transfer process. Methods of resolving disputes is therefore an essential feature to be built into all contracts. a)
Intellectual Property - With the conclusion of Uruguay round of negotiations
at GATT, a new regime in the area of intellectual property has unfolded.
Consequences in India will certainly involve the amendments to the patent
law. Other trade related intellectual property issues will also take a
more definite shape. Science and technology cooperation, R&D collaborations
and new forms of technology transfer will all get a boost, or jolt depending
upon the speed at which readjustments will be made in the entire science
and technology system and the economy. Collecting data, analysing of the
same, interpretation and forecast will be the action areas to evolve new
policy inputs in which the Institute can play an active role. c) Arbitration and Dispute Settlement - Disputes arising in technology transfer contracts are not often reported due to various reasons and this therefore poses difficulties in benefitting from past experiences. The Institute here hopes to establish contact with agencies in different countries and collect decisions of courts and categorise them, and disseminate effectively. Even arbitration takes long time and proves expensive, more so for the medium and small industries. Here, new developments including quick disposal measures and other measures for conciliation are recommended. The Institute could review the efficacy of newer measures and bring them for the benefit of the parties. The Institute can also give its expertise and help solve the disputes by bringing the parties face to face. d) Privatisation - By the turn of the century, the country will see the entry of private sector in many areas which are currently in the public sector. It will see a sharp decline in the role of public sector particularly where its performance is not satisfactory. The Institute could concentrate on the legal aspects relating to privatisation in the context of emergence of new technologies in the manufacturing and services sector, potential areas for privatization, and subject specific reports can be prepared; as for example services carried out by municipal corporations particularly dealing with urban waste. 3.2.4 Information In recognition of the role played by consultancy organisations in the field of technology transfer, the Institute will also establish working linkages with them in India and abroad. The Institute can add value to the information it will receive, pack it in suitable forms and deliver the packets to specific users and disseminate them when they are more suitable and needed by many other users. a) Tech Sources - Institute's major activity in technology transfer can be focused on producing suitable technology source directories. b) Consultancy - The Institute will use expertise and experience of consultants in analysing the relative advantages of different routes of technologies to produce similar products, and encourage them to share their experience with the Institute in the form of case studies for wider dissemination. c) Institutions - List of institutions with the names of experts available with them, far beyond those that are available in India, can be prepared so that their expertise could be made available to a wide range of users. The Institute will assist them in entering into suitable tie-ups, and where appropriate starting from R&D stage itself. d) Collaboration - India has already entered into over 20,000 collaborations since independence, of which over 10,000 are of more recent origin since 1981. This information will be suitably desegregated for quick and effective use, and collaborations failing to take off after approval will be monitored. e)
Software - India with its good science and technology infrastructure and
a treasure of young talented engineers and scientists, trained at costs
much less compared to developed countries, is facing stiff competition
and protectionist controls and measures imposed on export of software
to them in larger quantity and getting access to the software market in
some countries. The Institute will follow these trends and bring up appropriate
state of the art reports from time to time |
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| 4. Dr. REPORT ON WITT ACTIVITIES |
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| 4.1 Dr Raman Memorial Studentships/Fellowships Dr P S Raman, one of the Founder Member of the Institute, passed away in March 1994, very soon after the formation of the Institute. In his life, he always encouraged students to attain academic excellence and high professionalism. In his memory, studentships were instituted for undergraduate students to take interest and pursue a subject of interest to the Institute. In view of the limited response to the programme such studentships were discontinued during the year 1997-98. In order to attract scholars, the Institute in 1996-97 reorganised the scheme and introduced three levels: Scholarships, Associateships and Fellowships of the research awards carrying annual awards of Rs 25,000/-, Rs 36,000/- and Rs 50,000/- respectively. During the year these were reviewed and four levels of scholarships and fellowships were provided for. They are Research Scholarship, Senior Research Scholarship, Senior Research Fellowship and Principal Research Fellowship. These carry annual awards of Rs 25,000/-, Rs 36,000/-, Rs 40,000/- and Rs 60,000/- respectively. As on 31-03-2002, the Fellowship holders are Dr S Lahiri, Mrs Pooja Sakhuja; Ms Bharati Iyer is a Senior Research Scholar; and Mr Rakesh Singh and Ms Nidhi Mehrotra are Research Scholars. 4.2 Research Programmes and Activities The Institute's research programmes and activities are derived from the project profile. In order to be able to accept and complete assignments from sponsors, some core activities are necessarily carried out which at a given time may not lead to any output of any specific programme currently in progress. However, the preparatory work by the research and analysis group in each of the WISTA being published by the Institute enables the Institute to keep itself updated with current and contemporary developments. In this process the Institute in consultation with potential sponsors, mainly government departments, submits project proposals involving scientific research activities at the Institute. No doubt, some of the proposals do not result in a sponsorship, or get approval after lengthy internal procedures spread over a year or more. The research activities of the Institute are reported in two sections dealing with programmes completed and programmes in progress. 4.2.1 Programmes Completed i) In the field of medical applications arising from scientific advances, the Institute's focus has been on Cancer. The Institute prepared a report on research programmes that could be undertaken in a newly established cancer research centre within a specific financial allocation in a year. This was based on review of activities in many other centres in India and abroad as well as visits to research centres in India and organising an interactive meeting. ii) The Institute organised a study on Indian Systems of Medicine in the Treatment of Cancer. It collected state-of-the-art papers from selected experts in the different fields such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani. These papers were presented in a specially organised seminar and thoroughly discussed. The proceedings of the seminar were brought out as a publication of the Institute. iii) The Institute also organised a seminar on Radio Nuclide Therapy in the Treatment of Cancer, focusing on recent scientific advances in the field. Here also experts from different centres all over the country contributed state of the art papers which were discussed in the seminar. iv) In the field of Renewable Energy, an important aspect of environment friendly technologies, the Institute has made significant contribution in evolving curriculum in teaching in this discipline at graduate and postgraduate levels. In an assignment from GTZ (Germany), the Institute convened two international meetings in New Delhi in 1995 and 1996. The Institute selected resource persons from UK, Australia and Germany as well as participants from Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. The Institute staff also visited centres in all these countries and prepared background documentation for the two seminars, each one of a week's duration. Based on the discussions, the background documentation was reviewed. The results of this exercise were published as a book with the additional support from the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of India and widely distributed to the institutions in the participating four countries. v) The Institute undertook the assessment of technology status in four countries of the Asia Pacific Region, through the sponsorship from UN-APCTT. Based on desk study, interaction with their Embassies in Delhi, correspondence with leading centres in the respective countries, supplemented with visits to some of the countries and regional UN offices, the Institute assembled technology status reports on Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and the Philippines. These reports have been very well received and appreciated by the sponsors and other Government departments. The Institute also published a brochure on the study of technology profiles and distributed it extensively. vi) The Institute prepared a report on behalf of the Indian National Science Academy, covering the role of scientific and technological developments in meeting the challenges of Human Settlements in the 21st Century. This report formed the basis of India's input on scientific aspects to the City Summit held in Istanbul in June 1996. vii) The Institute prepared a report for UN-ESCAP on Technology Flows To and From the Countries of the Asia Pacific Region, as part of their studies covering the region. This report was presented by ESCAP in an international meeting organised by them in 1997 where similar reports of other countries prepared by them were presented and discussed. viii) The Institute prepared and commissioned several papers on Emerging Aspects of Intellectual Property in the context of India becoming a member of WTO. It participated in important meetings convened by the Government and later organised a special workshop and discussed some of the newer forms of intellectual property protection. The papers presented with the discussions thereon were brought out as a book by the Institute; it is one of the landmark publications on the topic. ix) The Institute has prepared a Directory of R&D work in the country covering water supply and sanitation. The report submitted incorporates modifications in the light of the observations from the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, Govt. of India. x) The Institute completed the work in organising an Awareness Programme on Eco-mark. The Institute prepared a report on this meeting and framed three project outlines and had submitted the same to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, for funding; two were approved for further study by the Institute. xi)
The Department of Biotechnology had assigned the task of preparing a report
on Teaching and Training Intellectual Property to Biotechnologists. The
work involved compiling data from different countries as special target
groups and their areas of interest in different aspects of IPR. The study
also identified the specific programmes being followed in leading institutions
in different parts of the world. The terms of reference also included
identifying institutions in India where such programmes can be started.
A survey of the current status in the country was carried out. The project
report was submitted by end of May 1998. xiii) Based on the discussions in the Science Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, the Institute had commenced to bring out a WISTA: `Urbo-Tech', featuring new and emerging technologies for urban development. It was expected that data on technological developments in this field would be of interest to Ministry of Urban Affairs. However, since sponsorship could not be obtained, this publication has been stopped, the last issue being dated Jan 2000. xiv) The Institute is interacting with the Ministry of Law, Govt. of India, and the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine. Both are interested in the subject of intellectual property and have sought inputs from the Institute. Law Ministry has invited the Institute to be a member of their panel to examine provisions of law to ensure compliance with the TRIPS and to examine provisions on Trade Secrets. The Institute has submitted critical inputs to the working groups set up on Intellectual Property under the Chairmanship of Secretary Law, Govt. of India. The final report of the Ministry has already been submitted. xv) The Institute received approval for bringing out the proceedings of the workshop it had organised on Awareness of Ecomark Programme. This work involved updating the material prepared and also incorporating the points and discussion at the workshop. The work on the book was completed in April 2000 and released in July 2000. xvi) The Institute was asked by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to submit proposals for funding on two topics: (i) Estimation of Groundwater Contamination due to Hazardous Chemicals and Wastes; and (ii) Abandoned Landfills. The Institute submitted three project proposals on the above subject. One of the proposals titled: Current Status of Instrumentation on the Estimation of Groundwater Contamination has been approved and the proposal will receive fund from WHO. A draft report prepared was discussed in an interactive meeting held in December 1999 and the final report was submitted to Ministry. The Ministry conveyed its approval of the study to the WHO who funded the project. xvii) The Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, had assigned project of analysing Emerging Issues in the Domain of Intellectual Property, in particular Trade Secrets, Trademarks and Designs. Designs and Trademarks are protected by specific statutes in the country, but there is no specific Act covering Trade Secrets. In the context of TRIPS all the three are important. The focus was to analyse areas that will influence technology management. A draft report presented to the Ministry was discussed in a monitoring committee meeting in March 2000. The revised report was submitted in 2000 and the work is completed. xviii)The Institute submitted a proposal to the Department of Biotechnology on analysing emerging issues in IPR in Biotechnology. The Department of Biotechnology had conveyed its approval. This programme involved preparing a state of the art paper on five topics: (i) Patentability in Biotechnology; (ii) Plant Varieties Protection; (iii) Patenting Microorganisms; (iv) Broad Patenting in Biotechnology; and (v) Drugs and Pharmaceuticals. A draft report was submitted to the Ministry and an interacting meeting to discuss the report was held at the Institute in January, 2000. On the basis of the discussion a finalised report was submitted to the Ministry completing a very important study. xix) The Institute had submitted two proposals to the Ministry of Science and Technology, covering: Valuation of Intellectual Property and Case Study on Trade Secrets. The Ministry has approved both these proposals combining them as one proposal in two parts. The work on this proposed project commenced from April 1999. The Institute has assembled extensive information collected from a very extensive network and has classified it to fit with the different sections of the report. A draft report of the cases relating to trade secrets was assembled. The segment relating to Valuation of Intellectual Property was completed and the report framed. The draft reports were submitted to the Ministry in May 2000 and the Ministry convened a monitoring committee meeting in September 2000. On the basis of the observations a final report in two parts was submitted. xx) The Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, had assigned a project of compiling a Compendium of Cases in Intellectual Property (patents) which will be of special interest in science and technology. The Institute corresponded with leading law firms in many countries as well as contacted the distinguished members of the Society in other countries. The Institute submitted the report in January 1999 and this was discussed in a monitoring committee meeting and the final report submitted. xxi) On the basis of a project proposal titled "Examining Current Concerns and Intellectual Property Rights for Biotechnology Application", the Department of Biotechnology assigned the work to WITT. There are ten items included in the study. They are: (1) Evolving a Sui Generis System for Protection in Biotechnology; (2) IPR in Biotechnology in Addition to Patents; (3) IPR Protection, Concerns in Medicinal Plants; (4) Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property; (5) Genetically Modified Food - Probing Emerging Concerns; (6) Relationship between R&D Investment and Cost of Protecting Intellectual Property; (7) Strategies for Companies to Manage IPR in the Emerging Markets; (8) Patenting Microorganisms in the Growth and Competitiveness of Indian Industry; (9) Transgenic Animals in Pharmaceuticals Industries; and (10) Comparative Study of Protecting Biotechnology in Several Countries. The complete reports were assembled in four parts and submitted to DBT in March 2002. In addition a summary report was also prepared and submitted. The summary report is available on line in the website of the Institute. 4.2.2 Programme in Progress a) Programme in the Area of Medical Science i) The Institute on the basis of the output of its Research and Analysis Team brings out a quarterly update, i.e., WISTA: War on Cancer. This is being sponsored by the Indraprastha Cancer Society and Research Centre. ii) The Institute is pursuing the activities relating to work on preparation of Directory of Medical Services, Privatisation of Medical and Health Care, and Medico-Legal Problems in the Context of New Development in DNA Evidence and preparation of state of the art reports based on its specialisation in the IPR field. Specific projects will be framed depending on sponsorship of the work. b) Environmentally Friendly Technologies i) Tracking Technological Innovation. One regular programme in the area is bringing out a bimonthly technology update, now under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. The Research and Analysis Team selects important and topical items for analytical treatment and for being published as special features. Based on the perception that certain recent patents will have a major impact on the society, the Institute brought out the salient features on "Distributed Computing", "Raman Amplification" and "Tissue Engineering" which appeared, in the recent issues of WISTA under Special Feature. ii) The Institute is now bringing out a WISTA on 'Environment Audit', sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Research and Analysis Team has also explored other areas which can be worked on. In view of the impressive record created by this publication, the Ministry is examining to place further responsibilities on the Institute in this area. c) Intellectual Property i) The Institute was publishing a WISTA on Intellectual Property regularly as a quarterly. The Research and Analysis Team prepares state of the art papers on several items which are presented in the seminars and workshops held in the country; these are published in different issues of the WISTA as Special Features. The Ministry has now provided support to this WISTA to be made bimonthly and the number of copies printed increased to 2000 to cover all recognised In-house R&D Units in Industry and privately funded Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (SIRO). ii) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) had assigned a project titled "Commercialisation of Patents in India". This project aims to inter alia examine the factors contributing to the success in commercialisation of patents in India as well the hurdles and difficulties encountered in this field. The work is progressing and is expected to be completed in a year. iii) The Institute was commissioned by DSIR to organise a set of 7 Workshops with a view to Enhancing the Awareness of Intellectual Property in the Export Oriented Industries. Six industry groups were selected and they were: Leather Products; Sports Goods; Foundry; Locks; Furniture and Machine Tools. A Curtain Raiser meeting was held in October 2001 at Delhi and the six meetings were held at different places in the country each focussing on one of the six sectors selected. d) In-house S&T in Selected Sectors The Department of Science and Technology (DST) assigned a study to the Institute to examine the achievements of in-house Science & Technology programme carried out by certain Economic Ministries/Departments arising from the Plan allocation for S&T to the departments. Two parts of this study will focus on (i) the Power Sector and (ii) Chemicals and Petrochemicals Sector. The work on this programme is underway and the project is to be completed in a year. 4.3 Publications a) The first book of the Institute "Newer Forms of Intellectual Property Protection' was published in May 1995. This was in fact the outcome of the workshop the Institute had organised, sponsored by the Centre for Technology Development, Bangalore and co-sponsored by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry and held at the Asian & Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology. This book contains all the papers presented at the workshop, the statements made at the inaugural session as well as the questions and comments that arose during the discussion. The book also contains the full text of the TRIPS agreement. Complementary copies of the book were sent to members of the Institute and the authors of the various papers presented therein. In bringing out the book the Department of Electronics, Government of India, provided partial financial support. Several copies of the book have been sold and some copies are still available. b) A book containing the proceedings of the International Workshop on Renewable Energy Curriculum held in April 1995 was brought out with financial support from the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, Govt of India. Several copies were distributed to the delegates from the participating countries. As per the arrangements with the Ministry, over 600 copies have been distributed to various organisations such as: Engineering Colleges, State Electricity Boards, leading in-house R&D units, selected universities and IITs, and several State and Central Government Departments. All copies have been duly disseminated and no stock of this is available. c) The Institute had organised a Workshop on `Role of Indian Systems of Medicine in the Treatment of Cancer' on 13th February 1996 at New Delhi. The Workshop had 21 papers including backgrounders, and 4 communications. WITT compiled these papers together with the discussions thereon. The Proceedings have been structured session and system-wise in order to afford easy location and access to a particular system of medicine and the target paper. Several copies of the book have been sold and demand for this book was regularly met during the year. d) The Institute had arranged an appreciation programme on Eco-Mark. A backgrounder prepared needed to be updated while bringing out the proceedings. Several papers presented at the programme were transcribed from tapes and suitably edited to include clarifications provided to certain questions raised. The entire documentation was reviewed and re-formatted into appropriate chapters. This has been widely distributed and in particular to offices dealing with Eco-Mark in many countries. This book was released in an impressive function held on 24 July 2000. e) Following the study completed for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on 101 Cases dealing with patents, the Institute reviewed the matter and prepared a book titled "An Introduction to the Guiding Principles in the Decisions on Patent Law". This carries two important additions as Annexures - (i) the decisions with the Appellate Authority of the World Trade Organisation TRIPS, and (ii) an addenda containing in turn two sections on (a) patentability of biotechnology, and (b) patent examination in business data processing. This book carries a message from Hon'ble Justice K T Thomas, Judge Supreme Court of India who has observed, "the need for guidance has increased enormously ...... in the near future this will come out from the cases that will be decided by the High Court and the Supreme Court of India". This book also carries a message from Justice B P Jeevan Reddy, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Chairman, Law Commission of India. Further, the book also carries an appreciation from late Prof P M Bakshi, Distinguish Member of the Institute and foreword by Dr R A Mashelkar, DG CSIR and Secretary DSIR. This book was published by M/s Bahri Brothers, well known publishers of law books in the country. DSIR kindly gave permission to include the study completed under their sponsorship in the book. This book was released at an impressive function by Hon'ble Justice B P Reddy on 23rd October, 2000 at India International Centre. 4.4 Reports a)
Previous Reports ii) A Report for Indo-Canada Cooperation Office on Intellectual Property in Private Sector and Governance in October 1995. iii) A Report on Science & Technology to Meet the Human Settlement Challenges in the 21st Century to INSA in October 1995. iv) A Report on Promotion of Technology Flows of India, To and From Other Countries of Asia & Pacific, prepared for UN-ESCAP in February 1996. v) The Institute completed four technology profile reports for the UN-ESCAP Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology in their series `Emerging Technology Scenarios - Countries of Asia Pacific Region'. Four reports were on Kazakhstan, The Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. vi) In order to alert potential users about the availability of such reports and to indicate the capabilities of WITT, a brochure related to the studies completed was brought out. Copies of the brochure have been distributed to many interested organisations and agencies. vii) The Institute had been commissioned by the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, Govt of India, to prepare a Compendium of R&D in the Field of Water Supply, Sanitation, Solid Waste Management and Storm Water Drainage. Based on the material collected, the Institute prepared a draft report of nearly 200 pages for the Ministry. The Ministry had suggested some modifications which were incorporated and the final report has been submitted. viii) In connection with the programme that the Institute had organised on Eco-Mark, the Institute has prepared and put together a very good collection of background papers. This compilation has been very well appreciated by the participants. The Institute has been commissioned to bring out the proceedings with the support from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. ix) A report on 101 cases in the field of Intellectual Property (Patents) of interest to scientists and engineers was compiled on sponsorship from the Ministry of Science and Technology. The background was that following India joining the WTO, the future will see India revising the Patent Act to be in conformity with the TRIPS. So it will be useful for our scientists to know how the court will decide patent cases in future. In compiling the cases, the Institute had assembled about 150 cases from many countries and in particular USA, UK, Australia and European countries. All cases were summarised under the headings: Issues involved, facts of the case, decisions of courts and Institute's observations. The draft report containing 105 cases were submitted to the Ministry. The final report taking into account the observations at the monitoring committee meeting, was submitted completing the project. x) A report on measures adopted for Accelerating Technology Exports in many countries has been compiled and a draft report has been submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is expected that such a study will help in adopting measures to accelerate technology exports from India. This report has concentrated mainly on the measures being considered in countries of the Asia Pacific Region, that is, Australia, China, Korea and Japan. In addition, it also contains the position in a few OECD countries, such as Finland, Germany, France, and Italy. It also contains the strategic control measures adopted in UK. The report also contains comparative measures and measures that will be of interest to India. Based on the report the Ministry organised a workshop at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade which was attended by many Ambassadors from their embassies in Delhi. xi) A report titled "Current Status in the Instrumentation for Groundwater Contamination due to Chemicals and Wastes", was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in December 1999. The study was funded by the World Health Organisation. The report consists of five sections. Section 1, Preamble, gives an overview relating groundwater quality, contamination process and causes, quality requirements and standards. Section 2 is on Evaluation and Current Trends in Instrumentation. Section 3 is the Compendium of Instruments. It covers estimation of metals, non-metals, other parameters, and toxic gases. Section 4 contains the Observations and Recommendations. Section 5 puts together Appendices, References and Glossary. xii) A report titled "Probing Emerging Issues in Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology" was submitted in February 2000 to the Department of Biotechnology. The report contains six parts. The first part is a Preamble, explaining special aspects of patenting biotech inventions as well as the emerging scenario in the world, particularly covering Japan, USA and EPO. Part 2 deals with Patentability in Biotechnology leading upto aspects on patenting life and providing typical recent decisions in the courts and texts and examples of recent patents. Part 3 deals with the Concepts and Practices relating to Broad Patenting. Two recent examples and a recent patent on cloning are provided. Part 4 deals with Patenting on Microorganisms. Part 5 deals with Genetically Engineered Plants and Part 6 is on Patenting in Pharmaceuticals and Drugs. This part provides information on protection of confidential information as well as emerging trends in the field of drugs and pharmaceuticals. xiii) The study assigned by DSIR and titled "Emerging Issues in the Domain of Trade Secrets, Designs and Trademarks" was completed and the report was submitted to DSIR in May, 2000. xiv) The Institute compiled over 100 cases recently decided on Trade Secret Law, particularly in the USA. This compilation was submitted to DSIR in December, 2000. The cases are grouped in 11 major headings: what can be a Trade Secret; what is not a Trade Secret; measure to ensure secrecy; misappropriation; restriction and covenant; inevitable disclosure; injunction; damages; jurisdiction; liability and other (legal aspects). xv) The Institute completed a report titled "Valuation of Intellectual Property Rights in Technology Management" and submitted the same in December, 2000 to DSIR. This report examines the concepts relating to intangible assets and typical country perceptions in many countries. It identifies a large number of practical situations in which valuation of Intellectual Property will be of special interest. It also provides the recent theoretical economic models in the valuation of IPR. b) New Reports i) The study completed under the project "Examining Current Concerns on Intellectual Property Rights for Biotechnology Applications", was grouped into four parts and submitted to the DBT in March 2002.
Part I : Evolving a Sui Generis System for Protection in Biotechnology;
Part II: IPR Protection, Concerns in Medicinal Plants;
Part III: Relationship between R&D Investment and Cost of Protecting
Intellectual Property; and
Part IV: Patenting Microorganisms in the Growth and Competitiveness of
Indian Industry; and In addition a summary report based on the discussions at an interactive meeting held on 7th February 2002 was also prepared. This report is available on line at the website www.witts.org. ii) During the workshops on Enhancing Awareness of Intellectual Property for the Export Oriented Industries, the Institute assembled lecture material on four topics and presented copies of the compilation to all participants. The four topics were: Patenting an Invention; Technology Upgradation and Current Patents; Valuation of Patents; and Infringement and Damages. The illustrative examples in the six workshops were from the specific industry sectors focussed at a workshop. These are retained as six reports and will be combined to a new report for use at the feedback meeting proposed to be held next year. 4.5 Papers Presented and Published a) The Institute participated in several events during the year 2001-2002 and presented papers or lectures based on its research work in specialised areas. Details of the various events are given in section 4.6. Some of the papers presented include: (i) IPR Protection in India: Past, Present and Future; (ii) Claims, Opposition, Working and Licensing of Patents; (iii) Trade Secret Law and Its Importance in India; (iv) IPR with Special Reference to Non Conventional Energy Development; (v) Valuation of Patents as an Intangible Asset. b) The Institute on the basis of the research work undertaken prepares status papers which are published as special features in the various issues of its WISTA. During the year 2001-2002, the special features published included: * In the area of Cancer: Cancer Vaccine, Alliances in Pediatric Oncology, Terminal Care of Cancer Patients; and Cancer Management. * In the field of Intellectual Property: Business Methods Patents, Doctrine of Equivalents, Protecting IPR-Financial Angle, Patenting Issues in SNP, Cloning for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Patenting Issues on Apoptosis, Patenting Issues on Biomarker, Patenting Issues on Stem Cells, and Tumour Suppressors. * In the domain of Innovation: Industrial Innovation in France, Innovation Climate in Russia, Science and Technology Climate in Japan, Science and Technology Climate in United States of America, UK's Science and Innovation Strategy, and Distributed Computing. * On aspects of Environment: Household Hazardous Waste Manual, Stewardship Strategics, Hazardous Waste Audit (New Zealand), Reductions in the Use of PVC, Municipal Waste Minimisation, and Waste Minimisation in SWIFT Caravan. * On IPR for Industry: Kitchen and Allied Furniture, Diamond like Carbon Coatings, Footwear, Railway Box-Car, Keys, Furniture Components, Numerically Controlled Machine Tools, Leather Garments and Materials, Sportswear, Door Locks, and Bedroom Furniture. 4.6 Participation in Conferences and Lecture Presentations i) On 10th July, 2001, Chairman WITT gave a lecture titled "IPR Protection in India - An Overview" at the Directorate of Oil Seeds Research and Directorate of Rice Research of the ICAR, at Hyderabad, under their Training Programme on IPR in the Agriculture Sector. ii) On 5th September 2001, Chairman WITT gave a lecture entitled "Legal Issues Relating to Claims, Opposition, Maintenance and Licensing" at the Indian Institute of Sugar Cane Research, Lucknow in the programme of training on IPR organised by ICAR. iii) On 13th September 2001, the Law Faculty of Delhi University had organised a function on release of a book "The Law of Intellectual Property Rights - In Prospect and Retrospect". The Chairman WITT presided over the function and addressed the gathering on the current status of Intellectual Property Law in India. iv) On 19th September 2001, Chairman WITT gave a lecture entitled "IPR, Its Forms, and Indian Legislations" at the Fisheries Research Institute at Mumbai under a progrmme organised by ICAR. v) On 2nd November 2001, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade had organised a colloquium on Technology Exports. Chairman WITT chaired the second session dealing with new proposals and experiences of other countries. vi) On 9th February 2002, the Law Faculty of the Delhi University had organised a lecture meeting in which Chairman WITT gave a presentation on recent developments covering dispute resolutions in patent litigation. vii) On 2nd March 2002, the Indian Law Institute organised a Seminar on "Copyright Law - National Interest". Chairman WITT participated in the Seminar and moderated discussions on Role of Copyright Covering Newer Areas Arising from Recent Advances in Science & Technology and in particular dealing with Software and Databases. viii) The Institute had organised seven workshops on IPR directed to the use of export industries. Chairman WITT and Joint Director WITT gave lectures at these workshops covering "Current Patents -Technology Upgradation", "Valuing Patents" and "Infringement and Damages". Other experts were also requested to give lectures; these included a primary lecture "Patenting on Invention" presented by Mr S Chandrasekaran of the Patent Office, Chennai (at Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai); by Mr Shanti Kumar (Anand & Anand Advocates) at Meerut, and Mr B P Mishra of the Patent Office at Delhi. In addition Mr N R Subbaram gave lecture at Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore on "Infringements and Damages" and Mr V Raghuram of NRDC Bangalore, at Coimbatore on "Current Patents and Technology Upgradation". 4.7 Association & Participation in Committee Work i) National Research Development Corporation had constituted a committee to deal with their Intellectual Property responsibilities with Chairman WITT as its Chairman. The terms of reference of this Committee inter alia included: review the guidelines of the schemes relating to IPR; to advise and recommend appropriate measures on any other related issues. The Committee had its first meeting on 25th May 2001; the second meeting of the Committee was held on 5th October 2001, and the third meeting of the Committee took place on 27th February 2002. ii) National Research Development Corporation had reconstituted its committee to decide on the awards being presented on 11th May Technology Day. Chairman WITT has accepted their invitation to serve as a member of the Committee for three years. iii) The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade had constituted a Search Committee to select a professor to head the Centre for International Trade and Technology. Chairman WITT served as a member of this Committee. The Committee met on 31st October 2001 to prepare a panel for this and the final selection committee met on 7th February 2002. iv) The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade had constituted a committee to review their project "Centre for International Trade and Technology". The Chairman WITT is a member of this Committee. v) The Chairman WITT, performed the necessary function of the Biotechnology Patent Screening Committee as its Chairman. One meeting of the Committee was held on 10th October 2001. vi) The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre has constituted a Research Advisory Committee of which Chairman WITT is a member. This Committee in its meeting held in March 2001, had asked Chairman WITT to examine current practices in undertaking clinical trials and advise them. This work was completed after due discussions and consultations. vii) The United States Educational Foundation in India had invited Chairman WITT to be a member of the selection committee to select candidates for the Fullbright Scholarship and travel grants. The Committee met on 18th September, 2001 in connection with their pre-doctoral fellowship program. 4.8 Professional & Technical Engagement with Organisations a) NISCOM (National Institute of Science Communication), a constituent establishment of CSIR, publishes a periodical titled "Journal of Intellectual Property Rights". They had invited Chairman WITT to be a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal for the period January 2002 to December 2004 and their invitation has been accepted. b) The Ministry of Science & Technology (DSIR) is funding the IIFT to bring out a quarterly news update on Technology Exports. Chairman WITT continues to be a member of the Editorial Board of this publication. c) Sitaram Bhartia Research Centre is a society registered in Calcutta and having its Research Centre at Delhi. Dr Gopinath, a distinguished member of WITT, is the President of the Research Centre. Chairman WITT is a member of its Governing Council. d) WIPO Arbitration Panel : World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva has established an arbitration centre which administers four dispute resolution procedures, namely: Mediation, Arbitration, Expedited Arbitration and Mediation followed in the absence of a settlement by Arbitration. This centre needs experts to work for their panels in administering their services. Chairman WITT is now included in their list of mediators and arbitrators.
WISTA is a new initiative of Waterfalls Institute of Technology Transfer to provide up-to-date capsules of information on a variety of subjects of current interest. It envisages that such updates will widen the horizon and open up new VISTAs for application of Science and Technology through innovative skills of experts, particularly engineers, scientists, researchers, doctors and lawyers. i) War on Cancer The first subject on which WISTA was brought out was “War on Cancer”. Cancer is one of the most dreaded non-communicable diseases and the world over Scientists and Medical Doctors are engaged in dealing with this. In a country like India, where resources are scanty, it is critical that whatever resources are spent on research, these should yield the maximum return. One should take full advantage of the work carried out all over the world in preparing to fight out cancer in every nook and corner of the country. WISTA attempts to bring capsules of recent advances from all parts of the globe to the working doctors and research scientists, with a bias for early application of the scientific advances. Indraprastha Cancer Society & Research Centre is sponsoring the issues of WISTA : WAR ON CANCER, as a part of their research programme to ensure that their research activities benefit from the advances made elsewhere. They are equally happy that all those who benefit from this will strengthen the cause to fight cancer on every front. A particular issue of WISTA carries packages covering R&D Ideas, New Instruments and Equipments, New Technologies, Advances in Early Diagnosis, Tobacco-Enemy Number One, Cervix & Breast Cancer, Cancer in Children, Newer Treatment Methods and Registry Trends. It is possible that all such headings may not appear in every issue, but it will certainly have a wide coverage. The inaugural issue of WISTA on War on Cancer was launched in October 1995 with blessings from the then Vice President of India Shri K R Narayanan and the Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Shivraj Patil. The second issue was published in January 1996 and it carried the message from Dr S Z Qasim, the then Member of the Planning Commission. “Challenge” is a Newsletter of the European School of Oncology. In their spring issue of 1998 they have featured WISTA: War on Cancer. They have reported: `This is an unique and important quarterly publication, reporting latest summaries with the aim of informing hospitals, medical colleges and other organisations about recent research and achievement in the field of cancer in other parts of the world’. The Institute has so far produced 28 issues of this update, the last four of them being No 25 dated October 2001. No 26 dated January 2002, No 27 dated April 2002 and No 28 dated July 2002. ii) Intellectual Property The second subject of equal importance on which updates of WISTA are being prepared is Intellectual Property. The Institute is very grateful to the then Ministers in the Ministries of Commerce, and Industry for their good wishes and appreciation on bringing out updates on Intellectual Property. Special thanks are also due to the Member of the Planning Commission and Secretary in the Ministry of Law for their appreciation of this initiative. The Institute has received the initial reactions from the readers on this subject and this has encouraged the Institute still further to strive and enrich the contents of the update to fulfil its immediate objectives. With the strengthened network, the Institute is now well placed to review, digest and repackage current trends in the field of intellectual property and make them available to readers. WISTA : Intellectual Property will carry packages on, among others, Scan Around the Globe, Patent Data, Legal Scene, Trends in Case Law, New Trends in Copyrights and Trademarks, and information on relevant Conferences, Seminars and Publications. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has communicated its sanction to support this publication. As per this sanction, WISTA: Intellectual Property will be a bimonthly, a new attractive cover page will be designed and 2000 copies will be printed of each issue to disseminate the information to all recognised in-house R&D units in the industry and all approved privately funded Scientific and Industrial Reseach Organisations (SIROs). The Institute has published 26 issues of WISTA: Intellectual Property, the last four of them being No.23 dated September 2001, No.24 dated December 2001, No.25 dated April 2002, No.26 dated June 2002. iii) Innovation The third subject on which update of WISTA is being prepared is Innovation. The Institute brought out the first issue of WISTA : Innovation in January 1997 and had received messages of good wishes from the offices of the Vice President of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Planning and Programme Implementation and Science & Technology and Shri Shivraj Patil, former Minister of Science & Technology. In addition, the three Secretaries in the Departments of Science & Technology, Scientific and Industrial Research, and Biotechnology had also conveyed their best wishes. The second issue of WISTA - Innovation, published in April 1997, carried messages of appreciation from Dr S Varadarajan, President INSA, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Secretary Department of Electronics. Messages of good wishes and congratulations have come from many Eminent Scientists and Directors of CSIR and DRDO laboratories. WISTA: Innovation carries packages on Scan Around the Globe, Frontier S&T, S&T for Basic Needs, Technology Development, and Information on Institutions, Conferences, Seminars, Publications etc, and covers such areas as Aerospace, Biotechnology, New Materials, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Computers, Building & Shelter, Clothing, Food, Water, Transportation, Environment, Intellectual Property Protection etc. The special features in these issues have received appreciation from readers. The DST has extended partial financial support to the publication of this WISTA. WISTA : Innovation is a bimonthly, and the number of copies being printed is 800. The support provided is being regularly acknowledged from the issue No. 4 of October 1997 onwards. So far the Institute has published 27 issues and recent issues published in 2001-2002 were: No.21 in June 2001, No.22 in August 2001, No 23 in October 2001, No.24 in December 2001, No.25 in February 2002, No.26 in May 2002 and No.27 in July 2002. iv) Environment Audit The fourth subject on which an update of WISTA is being prepared is Environment Audit. The Institute brought out the first issue in Jan 1998 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This had carried messages of good wishes from the then Lt. Governor of Delhi Mr Tejendra Khanna, and Secretary of the MOEF Mr Vishwanath Anand. It also had messages of good wishes from Shri Shivraj Patil, former Lok Sabha Speaker and Minister of State for Science and Technology; Justice R K Shukla, Chairman Environmental Impact Assessment Authority for National Capital Region; and Mr Dilip Biswas, Chairman Central Pollution Control Board. WISTA : Environment Audit will carry packages on: Scan Around the Globe, New Technologies, New Products, Audit Reports, Audit Manuals, Legal Scene, special items on Air, Water and Solid Wastes as well as Experts Converge and Knowledge Spreads. In addition, based on the work of the Research and Analysis Team, a special feature will also be presented. A mailing list has been specially prepared covering several NGOs, research institutes and industrial units in the country. The Institute has brought out 22 issues and the recent issues published in 2001-2002 were: No 16 in July 2001, No 17 in September 2001, No.18 in November 2001, No.19 in January 2002, No.20 in March 2002, No.21 in May 2002 and No.22 in July 2002. v) Rural Technology The fifth subject on which update of WISTA is being prepared is Rural Technology. The Institute brought out the first issue in January 1998 under the sponsorship of CAPART of the Department of Rural Development, Govt of India. This had carried messages of good wishes from Shri K Yeeranaidu, the then Minister of Rural Areas and Employment; Secretary, Dr N C Saxena; Mr N Ramji, Director General CAPART; Mr Y K Alagh, the then Minister of Science & Technology; Dr S R Hasim, Member Planning Commission and Dr M S Swaminathan. Messages of good wishes from Mr N P Singh, Secretary Coordination; Dr P L Sanjeev Reddy, Secretary Rural Areas & Employment; Mr Boparai, Secretary Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources; and Dr V Kurien, Chairman National Dairy Development Board, were published in the subsequent issues. WISTA : Rural Technology will carry packages on: Scan Around the Globe, Research and Development, Food Processing, Drudgery Reduction, Housing, Animal Wealth, Water Storage and Conservation, Drinking Water, Experts Converge and Knowledge Spreads. Based on the work of the Research and Analysis Team of the Institute, a special feature will also be published. The Institute has so far published 12 issues of WISTA : Rural Technology; the issues published in 1999-2000 were: No 9 in May 1999, No 10 in July 1999, No 11 in October 1999, No 12 in December 1999. No further issues were published in the year 2000-2001 for want of support from CAPART and this activity is now closed. vi) Eco-Mark The Institute started the seventh niche area for WISTA directed to enhance awareness about Eco-Mark and Eco-labelling. This topic being of immediate importance to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, received support from them. The first issue was brought out in April 1999 and it carried messages of good wishes from the then Minister of Environment and Forests Mr Suresh P Prabhu and Secretary in the Department Mr Vishwanath Anand. Messages of good wishes were also received from Prof V S Ramamurthy, Secretary DST; Mr N P Singh, Secretary Coordination in the Cabinet Secretariat; Mr Dilip Biswas, Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board; Mr P S Das, Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards; Dr Jurgen Bischoff, Director UN - Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology. This WISTA carries capsules of information specific to areas such as: Scan Around the Globe, Country Focus, Energy Saving, Life Cycle Analysis, Eco Specifications, Abuses and Limitations in Eco-labelling practices, Country Logos, Answers to Questions, Experts Converge and Special Features. The mailing list prepared had targeted pollution control boards and agencies, voluntary agencies, consumer protection agencies and organisations, R&D Institutions and consultancy organisations in the relevant field. Six issues of Eco-Mark were published and distributed in the year 1999-2000 as per the arrangement with the Ministry of Environment and Forests. These were: No 1 in April 1999, No 2 in July 1999, No 3 in September 1999, No 4 in November 1999, No 5 in January 2000 and No 6 in March 2000. No further issues were published in the year 2000-2001. Publication will be resumed on getting the approval from the Ministry. vii) IPR Biotechnology On a sponsorship from the Department of Biotechnology, the Institute launched a new WISTA specially designed to meet the needs of Scientists and Technologists in the field of Biotechnology. The inaugural issue was published in February 2000 and it carried messages from the Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human Resource Development and Science & Technology; Hon’ble Union Minister Dr P R Kumaramangalam, Minister for Power; Dr Manju Sharma, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Mr Vishwanath Anand, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests; Dr R A Mashelkar, Secretary DSIR and Director General CSIR; and Prof V S Ramamurthy, Secretary Department of Science and Technology. This WISTA carries specific information in areas such as: Scan Around the Globe, Watchout IPR, In Focus, Strategic Alliances, Legal Scene, Experts Converge and Knowledge Spreads. It also carries a “Perspective” and a “Special Feature”. A mailing list has been specially prepared to include all institutions in the country specialising in Biotechnology, as well as other leading educational institutions and universities. Initial contract with the Department of Biotechnology is to bring out six bimonthly issues over a year. The Department has conveyed its approval for two more years. Recent issues published in 2001-2002 are: No.8 in April 2001, No.9 in June 2001, No.10 in August 2001, No.11 in October 2001, No.12 in December 2001, No.13 in February 2002, No.14 in April 2002, and No.15 in June 2002. viii) IPR for Industry On sponsorship from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, the Institute commenced a new WISTA, specially designed to meet the needs of six specific groups of industries whose products are currently being exported. These sectors are Leather Goods, Sports Goods, Foundry, Locks, Furniture and Machine Tools. The inaugural issue was brought out in June 2000. This carried messages of good wishes from Dr. P R Kumaramangalam, Minister of Power, Govt of India (a Distinguished Member of the Institute), and Dr R A Mashelkar Secretary DSIR and Director General CSIR; and Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports. This WISTA, has several segments of interest carrying information relating to patents in the relevant fields. These include: (i) Patents for 21st Century Applications; (ii) Alert on Products; (iii) New Processes; (iv) Focus on Inventions; (v) Special Feature; (vi) Institute; (viii) Take It or Leave It; (viii) Knowledge Spreads. Each monthly issue focuses one of the six different indutry sectors and as such once in six months the same sector is revisited. The mailing list for each sector is prepared separately. WISTA: IPR for Industry carries an attractive cover page in colour. The initial arrangement with DSIR was to bring out 24 monthly issues, covering 4 issues in each sector every six months. All the issues were regularly printed and over 400 copies were despatched every month. The Ministry is examining the extension of the series; it will be resumed on receiving the approval. 4.10 Linkages with Other Organisations The Institute has established working linkages with several organisations within and outside the country to further the objectives it has set to achieve. These organisations are listed below. Many of these organisations have been sending their publications to the Institute and the Institute is very thankful to them. a) New Delhi 1.
All India Biotechnologists Association b) India (Outside Delhi) 63.
Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association, Ahmedabad c) Outside India 96.
Advanced Science & Technology Institute, Quezon City, Philippines
4.11 Website The Institute hosted a Website with effect from 1-1-2000. Homepage depicts the Waterfalls and the main features of the activities of the Institute. The Hyperlinks provide access to notable details about the Institute and the results of its activities. The Website was thoroughly revised and enlarged. WISTA is now available online and it is hoped that many other organisations can benefit from the work carried out by the Institute. The Website address of the Institute is: http://www.witts.org |
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The Institute had carried forward an amount of Rs 2,30,509/- being the excess of income over expenditure during the year 1994-95. During the subsequent years 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 as well the Institute had income in excess of expenditure. Thus it had assets worth Rs 42,54,457/- at the end of the last financial year. During the year 2001-2002 the Institute had a satisfactory year in realising all amounts due to it and at the end of the year had an excess of income over expenditure of Rs 9,85,350/-. The balance sheet as on 31st March, 2002 as per the audited statement is presented below. |
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| 6.1 Governing Council During the period under report, Governing Council of WITT held one meeting, on 1st September 2001. 6.2 Infrastructure The Institute is functioning from J-29, South Extension Part-I, New Delhi with 2700 sq ft of floor area made available to it, 1900 sq ft on first floor and 800 sq ft on 2nd floor. The requisite office equipment and furniture have been procured. The Institute has also established two nodal points, one at Bangalore and the other at Madras. 6.3 Personnel At this stage of development and growth of the Institute resources through projects alone can sustain staff. Even so some purely temporary adjustments were made in engaging the services of a few essential persons, and as far as possible external services were also availed of. Research Fellows and Research Scholars do contribute effectively. As on 31-03-2002, nine persons at different levels were working for the Institute on monthly honorarium. For accounting and auditing, services of a trained person were being availed of as and when needed. Five experts continue to be Senior Advisor/Advisors of the Institute in honorary capacity or with ad hoc honorarium. 6.4 Other Services Other services, such as travel/air booking, photography, conference kits and banners, catering, courier, printing, maintenance, etc were availed of from external sources as and when needed. |
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FOUNDER MEMBERS
1. DR K V SWAMINATHAN
Technology Transfer Expert; Concrete Dam Designer. Formerly Advisor, Ministry
of Science and Technology; Controller General of Patents and Trademarks;
Director UN Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology.
2. MRS
LAKSHMI SWAMINATHAN
Legal Expert. Member (J) Central Administrative Tribunal. Formerly Joint
Secretary, Ministry of Law; Legal Advisor to many Ministries and Departments.
3. DR
K V VENKATESAN
Expert in Oncology and Haematology; Diplomat of American Board of Medical
Oncology and Internal Medicine. Consult |