Controlling technology transfer-an IEEE perspective

The military capabilities of the western world vis a vis those of the Eastern Block are jeopardized by loss of military secrets and export of high technology equipment for producing militarily critical supplies. This technology loss is mostly through covert action. There is a question as to whether or not military critical technologies have been lost through the publication of unclassified technical material in the open literature. In efforts to delay transfer of militarily critical technologies to the Eastern Block, the Department of Defense is setting up procedures to identify emerging technologies that are critical militarily. Then, through contractual restrictions they hope to protect our advantage. This requires a balance to slow the flow outward while allowing the free interchange that stimulates our technological growth.