The Transfer of Technology from Research to Development
By the end of this activity you will be able to:
1. Recognize and evaluate factors that determine the likelihood of successful technology transfer from research to development
2. Predict the likelihood of successful technology transfer from research to development
R-III-5, a study conducted by IBM's Research Division, discusses factors to be considered to successfully transfer technology from a research department to a development department, as well as recommendations for successful transfer. Factors include technical understanding of the research and product application relationship, feasibility of the research and product application, growth potential, and timeliness. Recommendations for successful transfer include a dedicated advanced technology group for technology transfer and joint participation by research and development while the project is still in research. (Reading material -III-5 is attached in the Attach File) also presents 18 studies that were transferred successfully, not transferred, or not transferred successfully.
Guiding Questions to Consider Prior to the Discussion
1. Why is it important to have joint participation by research and development while the project is still in research?
2. Why does transfer occur when outsiders recognize the value of the technology?
3. How are feasibility and timeliness related?
4. What tactics can an advocate use to sell the results of research?
5. How large must a company be for internal users to be a secondary factor?
Read R-III-5, "The Transfer of Technology from Research to Development".
R-III-5 lists eight primary factors and six secondary factors that affect the successful transfer from research to development. For a current research application of your choice, identify the challenges involved in regards to two primary factors and one secondary factor when transferring the technology from research to development, addressing the questions posed under "Guiding Questions".
Post your response (250-300 word minimum)