Expediting cost-effective solutions through government technology transfer and commercialization

The U.S. and other nations fund basic and applied research at government owned facilities to develop technologies that satisfy security, economic, social and other national needs. Multiple mechanisms exist for private sector firms and academia to work with government laboratories to transition investments to commercial products. However, the number of companies aware of and taking advantage of these opportunities to leverage these avenues remains relatively small. In addition, recently proposed U.S. legislation will expand the authority to create public-private partnerships at Department of Defense laboratories within their core competencies. This paper will explore the value of partnering with nationally funded entities and the return on investment for both the public and private sectors.