In state agricultural universities , some scientists are entrusted with technology transfer job whereas they are trained in research projects during their masters and doctorate programmes. Contrary to this , in private sector, people are enrolled and trained in either production, marketing, quality control and procurement etc. As a result of which technology is transferred automatically among the users.Hence, is it essential to have a Ph.D for technology transfer purpose.
I really do not think PhD is needed for tech transfer. There are many other qualities relevant to the technology transfer specialist.
Business acumen, some sort of multidisciplinary thinking, deep understanding of the IP aspects, some knowledge of the commercial contract law, capability to motivate the researchers to report potential inventions, to name just a few.
One key aspect is also knowing the innovation cycle of the target industry and the particulars of that business sector.
While having PhD might give some prerequisite for successful career in tech transfer, there is no PhD (not even a PhD in tech transfer) to make a good tech transfer professional.
Nothing should be mandatory for the actual process of transfer and understanding science and moving it to technology. PhD level helps in some issues though (gives some indication an individual "did some science" etc.) and is similar to other certification programs. This is on the average, for individuals things vary: there are individuals without a PhD who got a Turing Award, so it is hard to judge individually (while the rule applies to the average and is usually correct on large population).
It depends on the field and scope of investigation. In the case of applied research, such as quality control, stocking a reservoir or the method of biocontrol of invasive species, the researcher, of course, must have PhD for technology transfer purpose. In addition he must be responsible for the successful introduction of his research. On the other hand there are many small-scale business areas with no need for in PhD degree, but it’s desirable in any way.
Technology transfer is more of a technical job and less of a research scientist's job.
No. Even a scientist having Master'd degree can do good research and develop technology which can be transferred to end users.
This thesis assumes that meaningful technology transfer is dependent solely on scientific wisdom and credentials. Based on years technology transfer experience, I can tell you that this is far from the truth. Technology transfer can be a huge waste of excellent research achievements if economic realities are ignored.
It is my experience in working with university technology transfer that widely cited, brilliant Ph.D.s generally do not know to how to budget for development or how to determine which of two potential licensees will do a better job of exploiting the technology to benefit society.