Overview of Technology Transfer Process RERC on Technology Transfer University at Buffalo

Acknowledgement This is a presentation of the T 2 RERC which is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education, under grant number H133E The opinions contained in this presentation are those of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education.

What is Technology Transfer? A process for conceiving and implementing a new/novel application for an existing technology (Reisman, 1989)

One process transforms a technology into a product.

Push and pull forces initiate technology transfer.

Three critical events: idea, prototype and product.

Four activity areas.

Five Stakeholder Groups Technology Producers. Technology Consumers. Product Producers. Product Consumers. Resource Providers.

Members of the Five Stakeholder Groups

Five stakeholder groups mapped on process.

Composite of entire process.

Problems for Small Markets Lack internal R&D resources. Require access to external technologies. Lack knowledge of systematic tech transfer process, and the expertise required. Serendipity is insufficient for business planning purposes.

Intermediaries resolve problem. Have knowledge of systematic process. Have access to various stakeholders. Have access to expertise and resources. Have experience in negotiating barriers and applying carriers.

Roles for Intermediaries

Successfully conducting technology transfer requires champions at each step in the process.