Warwick Ventures will welcome senior delegates from Moscow State University, (MSU), including Vice-Rector Professor Vladimir Belokurov, on 17th December 2002. The four-day visit is set to tap into the technology transfer expertise developed at the University of Warwick and help Russia forge ahead with innovation and learning.

As Russia moves from a centrally planned economy to a free market system changes have brought about significant uncertainty, and there is an urgent need for effective entrepreneurship and to boost the economy. Dr Ederyn Williams, Director of Warwick Ventures, said: "The world is in the midst of a major transformation that is simultaneously technological, economic, cultural and social. Universities are a fantastic resource and contain a wealth of talent. What’s more, new developments embrace emerging technologies and stimulate economic generation."

He continues: "With the creation of new spin-off companies, technology transfer provides a much-needed boost to the economy at a time when traditional manufacturing industry is in decline. Warwick Ventures has a track record of successfully maximising the commercial application of research at the University of Warwick, with over 20 spin-off companies already, and Moscow State University is now seeking to follow in our footsteps."

The Russians will follow a specially designed program, visiting Warwick’s world-class Manufacturing Group, National B2B Center, Biological Sciences, and several University spin-out companies. This visit offers a rare opportunity to develop new relationships between Russia and Britain, with the expectation that MSU will draw on best practices from Warwick’s innovation centre and establish a successful technology transfer department.

Dr. Georgy Laptev, coordinator of the Russian delegation, described the visit as "an excellent opportunity to discuss co-operation between Moscow State University and the University of Warwick in science and education."

This is the first of three visits, funded by the European Tempus fund, to study Warwick’s successful technology transfer program. A reciprocal visit is planned for the New Year, when Warwick Ventures will send representatives to Russia to assist in the foundation of a similar department in Moscow State University. Russian delegates include Professor Vladimir I. Trukhin, Dean of Physics, Professor Nikoliy N. Sysoev, Deputy Dean of Physics, and Professor Alexander V. Anisimov, Deputy Dean of Chemistry. 

For further details please contact: 
Tom Blount (02476) 574255 or 
Jenny Murray, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 574255 Mobile: 07876 217740