Andrea Foglia leads USI Transfer , the University’s service for technology transfer, which promotes innovation and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology from academia to industry for societal benefit.
Andrea Foglia, what aspects should a transfer service focus on to establish an effective transfer?
Effective transfer starts with listening carefully. You need to grasp the potential of an idea and research, and understand how to make the most of it outside the university. From there, a process begins that involves many aspects: intellectual property protection, contracts, funding, and relations with businesses. But above all, it is teamwork. At USI, we work closely with other key services: for example, for the creation of spin-offs, we liaise with the USI Startup Centre , which supports entrepreneurial projects in the incubation phase. For access to competitive funding, such as that provided by Innosuisse , we work closely with the , and we are also in close contact with the Legal Service. Lastly, we are in constant dialogue with external partners, particularly the Canton (DFE), the AGIRE Foundation and Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino , with whom we build bridges between universities, companies and the local community.
What are the distinctive features of technology transfer in Switzerland compared to other countries?
In Switzerland, technology transfer has a strong public and institutional footprint. There is a culture of "doing well" rather than "making money". In other words, the social impact of research is prioritised over direct financial returns. The "impact over income" approach sets us apart from more profit-oriented models, such as those of many private universities in the United States. One of the unique features of Switzerland is its collaborative network. The Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) at various universities work closely together and with national partners. Additionally, organisations like Innosuisse and the Swiss National Science Foundation offer strong support for bringing innovation into the market.
And what about technology transfer at USI?
At USI, our approach to transfer focuses on customisation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Each project originates from a unique context and has distinct requirements. Our goal is to create a tailored path that considers the scientific content and its potential applications. The variety of skills available at USI, from informatics and tech sciences to humanities, social sciences, biomedicine and culture, allows us to leverage not only technologies, but also approaches, methods and models with a social or organisational impact. We are deeply rooted in the local area, and these synergies allow us to create authentic connections between research and the business world, contributing to local development in a tangible way.
How did your previous university and professional training bring you to this sector, and how does it help you in your daily work?
My educational background has been quite broad, and this is very much reflected in my current work. I had the opportunity to study the scientific, legal, and managerial aspects of technology transfer, and I have developed skills that intertwine these fields. Before joining USI, I worked in both the private and public sectors, always in contexts related to innovation. In my daily work, I often serve as a facilitator, translator, and problem solver. Every day, I bring together diverse individuals and skill sets to transform ideas and expertise into something concrete and useful. While it is a constant challenge, it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
