10 th International Research/Expert Conference ”Trends in the Development of Machinery and Associated Technology” TMT 2006, Barcelona-Lloret de Mar, Spain, 11-15 September, 2006 MANAGING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MODEL FOR THE REHABILITATION SUPPORT IN MINEFIELD CASUALTIES Slavko Dolinsek, Armand Faganel, Egon Zizmond University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, Slovenia Sabahudin Ekinovic University of Zenica Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina Metod Florjanc Institute for Rehabilitation RS Ljubljana, Slovenia ABSTRACT This paper describes the use of rapid prototyping technology for the production of lower limb prostheses and a model of modern technology transfer to Bosnia and Herzegovina - BiH. This country was identified as one of 24 States Parties with significant numbers of mine survivors, and with “the greatest responsibility to act, but also the greatest needs and expectations for assistance” in providing adequate assistance for the care, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors. Keywords: technology transfer, rapid prototyping, prostheses 1. INTRODUCTION Numerous areas around the world and particularly those at south east of Europe (Croatia and Bosnia mostly) were contaminated with landmines, following the conflict between armed local forces. Consequently, UN Security Council established Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance Program, which has made a crucial contribution to re-establish a secure environment in the contaminated areas and helping the rehabilitation of landmine casualties. In these program Slovenia is one of the most active countries in the sense of supporting demining activities and helping in rehabilitation of the injured victims. Slovenian Institute for Rehabilitation with its Center for the Rehabilitation of Mine Victims (SIR - CRMV) has been established to assist with placement of the victims, logistics, medical rehabilitation, production and application of orthopedic and technical aids and education and training the experts. Today, a CAD-CAM system is a technology already used for designing and manufacturing of prosthesis sockets. It uses the advantage features of modern computer technology (laser scanner, appropriate software and milling machine) to help prosthetist to make a perfect prosthetic socket. Presented results give latest technology essential advantages such as: shorter production time, high quality and user-friendly applications. The knowledge and experience gathered through the production of prostheses are the opportunity for a successful transfer and long-term co- operation. The model of transfer of the latest technology and knowledge represents preparation and production functioning as an organizational mechanism, which will be capable of accepting the changes in the environment and to satisfy the users/patients needs as well. 2. PROSTHETICS PROBLEM For 2003, Landmine Monitor identified over 8,065 new casualties, of which 23 percent were children, in 65 countries. Compared to last year’s Landmine Monitor Report, there were four new countries with reported casualties from mine-related incidents: Armenia, Bolivia, Cyprus, and Liberia. Landmine Monitor has identified more than 230,000 mine survivors recorded in 97 countries and nine 405