Title: Biological model for technology transfer in university-industry-government partnerships

Authors: Elizabeth Starbuck

Addresses: Associate Director of Technology Transfer, Center for Interfacial Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Abstract: This paper proposes a technology transfer model using an analogy with a biological process, appropriate to one of the US National Science Foundation|s Engineering Research Centers (Center for Interfacial Engineering, University of Minnesota). This biological model incorporates earlier ideas on the diffusion of technology, involving movement of information across organizational boundaries, transmitters and receptors, and gatekeepers.

Keywords: technology transfer; gatekeepers; boundary modifiers; transmitters; receptors; biological models; technology transfer; engineering research centers; National Science Foundation; NSF; interfacial engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1993.025803

International Journal of Technology Management, 1993 Vol.8 No.6/7/8, pp.669 - 675

Published online: 24 May 2009 *

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