Exploration of Technology Transfer Control: A Case Study of Wright Laboratory

摘要

Federal laboratories, system product centers, and military logistics centers arebeing challenged to leverage national investments in technology beyond their traditional customer base--technology transfer. Participation in domestic technology transfer is growing at an astounding rate. Additionally, the federal government has invested and continues to invest billions of dollars into active defense conversion, dual-use technology, and technology transfer. The objective of this research is to explore how one government laboratory controls its technology transfer process, in both the near and long terms. This research examines the motives for participating in technology transfer. The researcher presents several of the processes that are used throughout the federal laboratory system and recommends the process model best suited for active technology transfer organizations. The research also discusses near and long term metrics and their suitability for use. Additional topics investigated include technology transfer definitions, technology transfer laws, and barriers to measuring technology transfer. The researcher interviewed participants at Wright Laboratory in a case study methodology to determine their method for control of their technology transfer process. Data are presented from these interviews and results examined. The researcher offers future opportunities for research in the area of technology transfer.