Technology transition: implications from studying a DoD laboratory

Abstract

Continuing national interest in technology transfer provided the impetus for an evaluation of the efforts of a large Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory. Seventy personal interviews were conducted at various locations nationwide. The lab studied uses two processes to move technology. One process is formal and highly structured; it is used to transition technology within the DoD. The other process, used to transfer technology, is unstructured and informal. The authors examine a model of technology transition. Two reasons dictate the need to appreciate this transition process. First, it needs to be well understood by all who work with the DoD. Second, modeling the transition process helps highlight the key modifications needed to improve technology transfer from the DoD.<>