PNNL

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to survey recent programs and identify critical factors, lessons learned, and supporting tools and processes that led to success or failure in achieving technology transfer. Once those elements were distilled and understood, the data were evaluated regarding their relevancy to selected Department of Defense environmental technology programs and recommendations were made on practices to help apply those experiences to transfer activities within the respective program scopes. To conduct this study, Battelle identified projects performed during the past five years that had some component of technology transfer as part of their scope. From this candidate list, a down selection led to the listing of 29 projects representing a broad, although not statistical, sample of experiences to draw upon. The projects emphasized, but were not limited to, intra-organizational transfers of the type typical of those that Defense Department environment, safety and occupational health technology programs and centers would be engaged in. The recommended practices and lessons learned were distilled into five categories: 1) model functionality, 2) resources, 3) expectations, 4) tools and methods, and 5) other key lessons. Our overall conclusion is that although many of the recommended practices identified seem obvious, they are not applied rigorously and systematically. Although flexibility is necessary and appropriate to avoid an overly burdensome process, missing key elements can dramatically increase the risk of failure to achieve transfers regardless of the intrinsic merits of the technology. Given our selection of projects upon which to base the analysis, many of the lessons learned are applicable to the targeted DoD programs. To effect the recommendations fully, however, will necessitate some further adaptation and careful analysis of where the internal processes of these programs intersect with those of the external technical, funding, and program organizations across DoD.