The process of technology transfer from the perspective of technical communication

Technology transfer is defined in this thesis as a process aimed at moving techonology developed with federal funds to the private, commercial sector. The main argument of this thesis is that technology transfer is, at heart, a communicative process. Part One examines the background for technology transfer, paying particular attention to the influence of the Cold War and economics on technology transfer legislation. Part Two takes a look at the principal players in technology transfer: universities, industries, and federal laboratories. Part Three concentrates on the need for cooperation among participants for successful tranfers. Part Four approaches the topic of technology transfer from a communication perspective and examines the role of technical communicators in the technology transfer process.