Doing Technology Transfer in Federal Laboratories

Abstract

Why should a federal laboratory worry about how to improve technology transfer? Primarily because there is a widespread perception in industry and government that the U.S. is not realizing an adequate return from its substantial investment in the federal laboratory system. Furthermore, in the wake of a serious deterioration of the U.S. trade balance, the federal government has been looking for new ways to increase U.S. competitiveness. New technology is widely considered a critical element in improving productivity, and such improvements are, in the long run, the only way to improve the nation’s competitiveness and standard of living.