The FLC Technology Transfer Desk Reference presents a comprehensive introduction to the federal technology transfer process; the technology transfer initiatives, procedures, and mechanisms that are used to implement technology transfer; and legislation and related executive orders. Although the technology transfer initiatives and mechanisms described in the Desk Reference are promoted and supported by much of the federal government, the specific activities and procedures of each organization may vary, and the material presented here may need to be adapted for a particular laboratory or agency depending on their corresponding agency or organization’s policies and procedures.

The primary goal of the Desk Reference is to help technology transfer practitioners become effective facilitators of technology transfer by explaining what technology transfer is and why it is necessary, relating the processes and mechanisms that make it happen, and describing issues and procedures useful in identifying and transferring technologies from the government sector to the private sector. To this end, the Desk Reference provides a thorough overview of the basic elements of technology transfer. It also provides the background, concepts, and practical knowledge required to assist Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) personnel and other technology transfer practitioners, including management and laboratory researchers - whether in government or in industry - to facilitate the transfer of federally funded technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The Desk Reference is available for download here.