Technology transfer in U.S. government and university laboratories: Advantages and disadvantages for participating laboratories

Based on findings from a national survey of government and university R&D lab directors, this study examines perceptions of advantages and disadvantages of technology transfer. Four points stand out. First, laboratory directors, regardless of sector, are generally optimistic about the payoffs of technology transfer. Second, there is surprisingly little difference between university and government laboratory directors' views. Third, the research mission of the laboratory is related to directors' assessments of the problems and benefits accruing from technology transfer activity. Finally, laboratories stressing development research encounter fewer disadvantages from technology transfer activity than those involved chiefly in basic or applied research orientated laboratories. The benefit most commonly cited by both government and university laboratory directors is increased public visibility for the laboratories' activities, and both indicate that the greatest problem is time taken away from the laboratories research activities.