Factors influencing technology transfer

Abstract

This paper treats technology transfer as primarily a communication activity. Barriers to technology transfer can be erected by (1) organizational structures which inhibit the flow of communication between different groups; (2) the technology imposing specialized knowledge on the people who work with it; and, (3) the individuals themselves who have cultural biases which inhibit communication with people from different professional and experiential backgrounds. Some of these barriers can be overcome by creating small cross-organizational groups or partnerships, by increasing exposure to the technology, by rewarding joint work and by promoting people who are willing to champion technology transfer efforts within a corporation.