In 2005, NSTDA formed the Technology Management Center (TMC) with the goal of managing scientific R&D and commercial linkages and accelerating technology development within the private sector in Thailand and abroad. With the formation of TMC also came the formation of the Technology Licensing Office (TLO), which is the main vehicle with which NSTDA transfers technology. The TLO is comprised of approximately 30 employees with a wide range of expertise in IP and technology marketing in a wide range of industries, and consists of three groups: the IP Management Group (IPM), the IP Business Group (IPB), and the IP Policy Group (IPP). Through these three groups, the TLO handles all IP related issues (such as patent applications), identifies NSTDA technologies with commercial potential, finds qualified licensing partners, and develops and manages NSTDA policies for the creation, protection and exploitation of IP.