Technology Transfer Defined

Technology transfer is the movement or flow of technical knowledge, data, designs, prototypes, materials, inventions, software, and/or trade secrets from one organization to another organization or from one purpose to another purpose.

While this definition leaves open the type of organizations involved, the focus of the Federal Technology Transfer Program is on the Nation’s laboratories. Originating with the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 and the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, the program provides mechanisms to link the Nation’s network of over 700 Federal laboratories with U.S. industry and academia.

TRSG contributes to the Federal Technology Transfer Program through the formation of successful technology transfer and public-private partnerships.