Study Highlights Diversity in Agency Technology Transfer Approaches

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2011
Contact: Gail Porter
301-975-3392

A new report* sponsored by the U.S. Commerce Department (DOC)—the results of the first independent study of its kind in almost 10 years—describes both barriers and effective strategies for transfer of technology developed in federal laboratories to industry for commercialization.

Working with Industry: With new, one-of-a-kind test equipment, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers aim to stamp out costly, delay-causing errors in the design of dies used to make sheet-metal parts ranging from car hoods to airplane wings to pots, pans and cans. Credit: Gardner/NIST View hi-resolution image

The study found that the distinctive missions of federal laboratories, management strategies and resources, statutory requirements and incentives for researchers were key factors determining an agency's particular approach to commercialization of federal laboratory results. 
Based on a literature review and interviews with technology transfer experts at 26 different federal research laboratories as well as 33 additional organizations, the study was released on June 14 at a meeting of the Department's National Advisory Committee on Innovation and Entrepreneurship held at Howard University.
The IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute conducted the research, with funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
"This study documents the great variety in mission and organization for hundreds of federal research institutions, under such agencies as DOE, NIH, DOD and USDA and provides a baseline for further action by the Administration to strengthen tech transfer efforts," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. 
"We know that technology is transferred from our federal institutions in many different ways," said Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Patrick Gallagher. "NIST is charged with the responsibility to report on the technology transfer activities of the federal agencies; our task is to develop metrics that capture the full range of the economic impact of federal research facilities."

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