Technology Transfer

In this process, technology moves from one context to another, be that economic or social. This context can take on a variety of different shapes and forms – companies, states, nations, regions or even just development teams. Deplacing and integrating technology from one setting to another doesn’t always work, and needs to be well-thought-out and planned ahead. ‘Ideal’ technology sites like Silicon Valley are difficult to replicate – many have tried and failed.

 

Technipages Explains Technology Transfer

Technological innovation sites like Silicon Valley or North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park only work because a specific set of circumstances and environmental factors coincided with a suitable social situation. Even just a different cultural context can make things difficult – attempts to artificially replicate or repeat the success stories of these places have seen limited success at best, and absolute failure at worst.

We now know that sites like the ones named above take time to form, and have to form organically – that is to say, through supply, demand and congregation of ideas and talent. It takes several decades before they really take shape – experts agree that through the course of around 30 to 50 years of constant development and maintenance exceptional talent and work can happen… but it might not.

In the case of transfer between companies – for example, because on company bought proprietary system A and wants to use it, things are a little easier. Generally, the smaller the undertaking the less likely it is to fail. Getting the employees of a company used to a new system or piece of technology is significantly easier than stimulating a region into explosive technological growth.

Common Uses of Technology Transfer

• Technology transfer is a risky undertaking that fails as often as it succeeds – if not more.
• Moving and replacing technology at any scale is a huge business risk.
• Where successful, technology transfer can boost an environment to new heights.

Common Misuses of Technology Transfer

• Technology transfer is a way of moving software from A to B, for example via USB stick.