Technology Transfer and Technology Transfer Intermediaries

• Published in: Assistive technology outcomes and benefits 2010-07, Vol.6 (1), p.129-150
• Main Authors: Bauer, Stephen M, Flagg, Jennifer L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive technology; Angel investors; Assistive Technology; Audits (Verification); Barriers; Case Studies; Change Strategies; Colleges & universities; Consortia; Definitions; Delivery Systems; Dictionaries; Education; Educational Technology; Efficiency; Engineering research; Federal agencies; Federal legislation; Funding; Government agencies; Handicapped assistance devices; Industry profiles; Initial public offerings; Innovations; Institutional investments; Laboratories; Macroeconomics; Microeconomics; Product development; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation; Public policy; R&D; Rehabilitation; Research & development; Research centers; Research facilities; Small business; Stakeholders; Supply and Demand; Technology assessment; Technology Transfer; Terminology
• ISSN: 1938-727X; 1938-7261

A standard and comprehensive model is needed to evaluate and compare technology transfer systems and the stakeholders within these systems. The principle systems considered include federal laboratories, U.S. universities, the rehabilitation engineering research centers (RERCs), and large small business innovation research programs. An earlier model accounts for technology transfer activities, events, stakeholders, and resource providers (Lane, 1999). This model is augmented to account for dynamic aspects of technology transfer (transfer efficiency, transfer latency) and scale (micro-, macro-). The critical role of technology transfer intermediaries is emphasized. Examples pertaining to the assistive technology industry are used to illustrate important concepts and issues. The technology transfer model with extensions is applied to the four technology transfer systems. Major studies pertaining to the technology transfer performance of: large small business innovation research programs, the federal laboratory system, the U.S. Department of Education RERCs, and U.S. universities are reviewed. Study outcomes are examined in terms of a uniform and comprehensive technology transfer model. Conclusions are drawn regarding the evaluation of program performance. The need for a uniform and comprehensive technology transfer model is demonstrated by showing inconsistencies within and between research study outcomes for major technology transfer systems. Barriers that prevent the full and optimal use of these programs by the assistive technology industry are discussed. The authors conclude that technology transfer from the public to private sector is a major and critical economic driver. Large federal programs, which are generally established through legislation, facilitate and structure the technology transfer efforts of federally funded entities. Effective program oversight and good public policy requires systematic program evaluation in reference to a standard and complete technology transfer model. Identifying and promoting best practices for technology transfer intermediaries requires that the technology transfer model encompass both the macro (systems) and micro (stakeholders within systems) scale.