Goal, strategy and project selection for the radiation processing

In the past two decades, a number of results in the field of R/D of the radiation processing have been attained in China. Many of them are of great value in application and have been put into pilot plant or trial production. From the viewpoint of system analysis, the radiation processing as a technological system follows its own law of development, now entering a stage of rapid development in the areas of R/D and application. As a favourable factor for the development of radiation, two significant policies have been formulated; first, the policy of development of science and technology should contribute to the development of national economy; secondly the policy of the development of atomic science and technology emphasis should be shifted to civil purposes. These two policies are bound to greatly promote the R/D of the radiation processing, especially its transfer and diffusion. Now, the linkage between the radiation processing and national economy is getting closer and closer. A lot of proposals for investment in this field have been put forward recently. Therefore, it is vital to make investigations into the strategy for the developing, economic effectiveness and the criteria in project selection of the radiation processing.

In this article, we study the present state and the Characteristics of the technology transfer of radiation processing in China from the viewpoint of system analysis and of effectiveness. We also analyse this issue in the light of the concept of life cycle of technology so as to establish, we hope, a realistic goal and an appropriate development strategy. Based on this, a model of project selection and suitable forms of diffusion and transfer are suggested.