Technology transfer involves the generation of innovative ideas through the sharing of knowledge among federal laboratories, universities, industry, and government, and oftentimes the eventual commercialization of those ideas. By better understanding technology transfer, the government can gain increased benefits from its investment in new technologies. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology asked RAND to host a one-day forum on technology transfer developed through federal research and development funding. Forum participants offered a variety of observations on issues and best practices related to successful technology transfer, which the authors summarize and quote verbatim.
