Book Description

This report provides a narrative review of concepts and issues related to domestic technology transfer. Six investigative questions are posed which form a framework for analysis. First, what definitions of technology, innovation, and technology transfer have been advanced, and what other concepts are relevant for understanding the subject matter? Second, what factors have been identified as promoting or impeding technology transfer? Third, what important roles do individuals fulfill in technology transfer? Fourth, what is the Federal infrastructure for promoting technology transfer? Fifth, what is DOD's role in promoting domestic technology transfer? Sixth, what models have been advanced to portray the technology transfer process? The literature review indicates that innovation research provides a large body of knowledge related to factors influencing technology transfer, and factors can be grouped as pertaining to management involvement or the source - user relationship. In the Federal infrastructure for technology transfer, there are notable active systems, but funding appears to be a continuing problem. Although technology transfer from DOD to other sectors is predominantly passive, a trend toward active programs is observed.