The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Technology Transfer Process: A Study
Abstract
The methodology for this study included: study of technology transfer barriers and catalysts; interviews with key people inside and outside DARPA; and research relative to previous studies, bearing on the subject of technology transfer as relates to DARPA. Differences between the role of DARPA contrasted with that of the Services and other Agencies make smooth technology transfer to the Services/Agencies a difficult process, particularly as regards the Large Technology Demonstrations. It is fundamental that the Services/Agencies are the ultimate procurers of material resulting from successful DARPA initiatives. Hence, an optimal system for technology transfer, one which is comfortable both to DARPA and the Services/Agencies is of great importance to the nation. DARPA's role and philosophy can be broadly characterized as: Opportunity driven, Creative new concepts, Bold new initiatives, Order of magnitude leaps forward, and Revolutionary breakthroughs. On the other hand, the Services' role and philosophy can be broadly characterized as: Need driven, Near term urgencies, Identified missions, Careful (smaller) steps and minimum risk, System life cycle cost effectives and Orderly phasing of evolutionary technology advancements. These fundamental differences make it understandable that barriers arise to inhibit timely smooth transfer of technology from DARPA to the Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA222548