The Business Development Centre (BDC) of the National Engineering Research and Development Centre plays a pivotal role in linking engineering research with industry, commercialization, and institutional sustainability. As a strategic unit within NERDC, the BDC functions as the primary interface between the Centre’s technical divisions and external stakeholders, ensuring that research outputs are effectively translated into practical applications, collaborative ventures, and revenue-generating opportunities. The centre was established in January 2023.
NERDC, being Sri Lanka’s premier engineering research institution, undertakes a wide range of research, development, testing, and consultancy activities. However, the true impact of these activities depends on their successful coordination, communication, and industry collaboration. The Business Development Centre fulfills this responsibility by systematically managing commercial projects, facilitating technology transfer, and strengthening relationships with industry and public institutions.
The activities of the BDC are carried out in line with clearly defined objectives, which guide its operations throughout the year. One of its primary objectives is to further streamline business functions within NERDC and ensure effective incoming and outgoing communication related to research and commercial projects with external parties.
Another key objective is to assist in increasing income-generating avenues for the Centre. Through the promotion of consultancy services, laboratory testing, collaborative research projects, and technology licensing under the Techno marketing department, the BDC contributes significantly to institutional revenue generation. It continuously explores opportunities to expand service offerings and optimize commercial engagement.
The BDC also focuses on identifying potential research and commercial project collaborators while maintaining close relationships with industry partners, public and private institutions, and other stakeholders. By fostering strong partnerships, the Centre ensures that its research initiatives remain industry-relevant and demand-driven. These collaborations enhance innovation capacity and facilitate knowledge exchange between NERDC and external entities.
In addition to its objective-driven approach, the Business Development Centre manages commercial inquiries, prepares technical and financial proposals in collaboration with engineering divisions, coordinates project implementation, and monitors progress to ensure timely and quality delivery.
In conclusion, the Business Development Centre of the National Engineering Research and Development Centre serves as a vital mechanism for integrating research, industry engagement, and commercialization. Guided by its strategic objectives, the BDC enhances operational efficiency, strengthens partnerships, increases revenue streams, and ensures that engineering innovations developed at NERDC.