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The asymmetry in access to Resources, Institutions and Technologies between urban and rural areas is enormous. Therefore, many creative people in the rural areas are unable to fully exploit their potential , not because they don’t have ideas or the persistence to pursue them, but because they lack adequate support from the modern community. The support from scientific community, legal experts, business community and the Government will empower the knowledge rich,economically poor people . This interaction strengthen people to people learning and networks by pooling the solutions developed by people across the state and can link to people across the world in different sectors and links. The aim of KIF (Kerala Innovation Foundation) is to provide such a link between the knowledge providers of the state and the new generation. Mission KIF can provide an institutional platform for the knowledge rich , economically poor people. It can make kerala innovative by documenting, adding value, protecting Intellectual Property Rights of the contemporary unaided technological innovations , students' innovations as well as outstanding examples of traditional knowledge . A Register of green grassroots technological innovations , students' innovations and traditional knowledge can be developed for the purpose and can be linked to the National Register developed by NIF, Ahmedabad. Most of the innovators and knowledge holders are not getting proper incentives for their innovations, they lack the enthusiasms and gradually erodes the traditional knowledge and the society loses a very valuable source of local solutions and skills. The younger generation too does not want to pursue this knowledge and innovation path. May be , giving creative people their due will restore the respect for traditional knowledge and grassroots innovations and help in blending it with modern science and technology . In the process, valuable intellectual property may be produced. KIF aims to be a connecting link between TK providers, Innovators, Local Self Government and agencies which are active in this field. Aims and Objectives - To recognize, respect and reward grassroots technological innovators and traditional knowledge experts.
- To build a state Register of Grassroots Technological Innovations , Students' Innovations and Traditional Knowledge practices developed by various individuals and communities.
- To link the Innovators TK holders with Institutional scientists, technologists and designers to add value in their technologies.
- Offer prizes at state level competitions of grassroots innovators and guide them to participate in National level competition of NIF and International agencies.
- Support to get micro venture innovation fund to help convert innovations into enterprises.
- Guide the public in protecting the Intellectual property Rights and to get the technology patented.
- To motivate a culture of creativity and innovation in society.
This initiative will help in reducing the erosion of knowledge , increase the social esteem of grassroots innovators and knowledge providers and make the society innovative.
Documentation
Documentation of the traditional knowledge helps in preventing erosion of knowledge apart from bringing recognition. Further public domain traditional knowledge can be transmitted and disseminated to promote lateral learning and also improve upon the livelihood system. Establishment
The Akshaya centers initiated by Kerala State IT Mission can be utilized as the effective arm in reaching out to innovators at grassroots level. The LSGs, NGOs and various state owned scientific and social agencies and educational institutions can be incorporated in various levels. The state level office should be the IT Mission and a separate wing can be formed with the experts to facilitate the project Business Development
Grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge based technologies generally are need based , simple , cost- effective and sustainable . These solutions address local constraints though not always in most effective way. The magnitude for consumer demand for new technology depends upon how wide spread the need is , how important the element of regional specificity and whether infrastructure exists for its maintenance and service etc. KIF can coordinate with various entrepreneur\ industry associations, management institutions and incubators to mobilize mentoring and management support for grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge holders, can coordinate with private and public sector industrial and financial institutions and associations to link innovations with investment and enterprise wherever possible. KIF can promote various innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge through market and non-market channels. Intellectual Property Management
KIF can safeguard the rights of inventors and innovators at grassroots, who are not capable enough to protect their creativity on their own. We can help the innovators to move applications for patent in India and abroad. IT Applications
Preparation of multimedia CDs, Data base, preparation of portals, Demo software for technology exchange etc can be done. Research Advisory Committee
To assess the novelty, uniqueness or cost effectiveness and social impact of the innovation and the traditional knowledge ,a research advisory committee comprising of Institutional Scientists, Informal Innovators and traditional knowledge experts is also formed.
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