Interagency study of Federal Laboratory Technology Transfer Organization and Operation

Technical Report · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5232070

This report is the result of a baseline study of technology transfer organizatin and operation in Federal laboratories, and is an analysis of responses to two information-gathering instruments: the Federal Laboratory ORTA Organizational and Operational Information survey, and the Technology Transfer Characterization, Technology Transfer Cases - ''Lessons Learned'' questionnaire. Response to these two instruments was adequate, with input provided by laboratory and agency representatives from nine agencies: the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior, Transportation, Agriculture, Health and Human Services; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and the Environmental Protection Agency. The data provided have yielded several conclusions: The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act has led to numerous changes in how technology transfer is perceived, and in how technology transfer activities are implemented in the Federal laboratories. American industry is increasingly interested in Federal innovations, and is going to the laboratories in pursuit of these innovations. Recognition of technology transfer as an integral function of laboratory management, and recognition of the importance of technology transfer in Federal laboratories, are increasing rapidly. Efforts to transfer technology are becoming more effective. Although the process is dynamic, specific methods and processes that accomplish successful transfer of inventions can be identified. Future refinements will bring further enhancements to these transfer processes and mechanisms. Seven groups of recommendations offered by the Working Group are given below. These recommendations result from the survey findings, and are provided to enhance transfer activities. A final recommendation of the Working Group is that technology transfer operation and organization be reassessed in a few years, primarily because of the rapid changes that are occurring in transfer activities.

• Research Organization: Federal Laboratory Consortium (USA). Federal Laboratory-Industry Interaction Working Group
• OSTI ID: 5232070
• Report Number(s): DOE/METC-85/6019; ON: DE85003397
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290500* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
COOPERATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
NASA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
US DOA
US DOD
US DOE
US DOI
US DOT
US EPA
US HEW
US ORGANIZATIONS