A Marshall Plan for Technology Transfer

Remarks by Dr. John B. Noftsinger

Accelerating Innovation Conference

National Academies of Science

October 19, 2005

Historically, innovative efforts have experienced resounding success when invigorated by federal policy and nurtured by industry and education. The Manhattan Project during the 1940’s and the Apollo Space Program in the 1960’s serve as poignant examples of the American pioneering spirit, the strength of cooperation, and the rapid achievement of unified goals and objectives.

In the current system, universities generally under-perform in their ability to transition newly developed technologies to the private sector. In turn, industry has failed to sufficiently to communicate their needs and actively seek research and development opportunities within academe. This often leads to frustration and impasse. To correct these shortcomings, leaders from all sectors of the economy must engage in strategic discourse to establish near-term, midterm, and long-term goals for heightened communication, collaboration, and cooperation between industry, government, and higher education. 

In-line with the theme of “Accelerating Innovation”, I propose establishing an innovative approach to enhancing and advancing technology transfer. Relying upon the themes of one of the most recognized strategic plans, we as government, industry, and university leaders must institute a Marshall Plan for Technology Transfer. This model must be centered upon the creation of collaborative relationships between the private sector and higher education, with the guidance and support from all levels government.

In order for this strategy to be effective, I propose a six-point plan:

1) Achieve a balance between basic and applied research.

2) Place a unique emphasis upon balancing advancements within life sciences, with physical sciences.

3) Develop curricula and criteria for building a technological literate workforce.

4) Increase industry-sponsored research above the current levels.

5) Provide federal and state support to create robust and highly proficient technology transfer offices.

6) Provide tax incentives for companies that successfully commercialize university and federal laboratory technologies.

We are all undoubtedly aware of the international competition challenging the long-term economic sustainability of the United States. Beyond doomsday scenarios of economic downfall, we must proactively create a structure within which opportunities are acknowledged, partnerships are established, and new solutions are born.