Managing Technology Transfer: A Practical Framework

Although the term technology transfer is relatively new, the business of moving technology and ideas between originators and implementers has been going on almost since time began. With the accelerating pace of technology development and the pressing issue of increasing competition on a global scale, the formerly ad hoc approach to such activities must become more systematically planned and scientifically based. Engineers have been slow to adapt to this need and must begin to recognize that the practice of technology transfer is an integral part of their activities that directly influences the effectiveness of many of their efforts. The paper begins with a discussion of the mythology that has grown up around technology transfer activities. This mythology now often impedes the implementation of effective and properly designed technology‐transfer programs. Using this discussion as a base, a generic framework is developed that defines the different levels at which such programs apply. A clear distinction is made between those oriented to tactical needs versus those directed at strategic goals. The framework also distinguishes between public‐ and private‐sector needs and sets out three technology maturity levels, which are seen to be tied to distinct, characteristic approaches to technology transfer. A series of guidelines for developing technology‐transfer programs are derived from these discussions, and in a final section, new facilitating technologies such as expert systems, computer‐aided learning, and integrated application‐documentation systems are outlined.