FAR WEST REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTER (RTTC)

Federal research is booming everywhere: in nearly all areas, products and processes. Much of the resulting technology and knowledge, the fruits of labor of pre-existing research, is available to American business for licensing. Technology transfer--the adaptation of an innovation originated in one institution for use in another-- might be the best way for a business to continue development, keep its competitive advantage, or go better places altogether. Companies which have never used the services provided by centers such as the RTTC here in Los Angeles have questions about the services provided and possible benefits to be acquired through technology transfer. If a corporation has potential ideas for expansion, technology transfer may be the way to go. But how do you know? It sounds good, NASA and federal technology... But in a nutshell--what can the RTTC do for you?

It's a monolithic task to attempt description of what services RTTCs offer to a company, since we work with clients to develop a custom-built vehicle of service. The point of RTTCs is essentially to provide sophisticated information brokering -- services akin to legal representation for the world of technical development, in the words of one of our own Information Specialists. Much the way legal counsel will research and direct a case for trial, or the way a brokerage firm helps you find good investments, the RTTC will research and direct your technical case for development, using expertise and an inside knowledge of the system. RTTCs bring together those businesses and laboratories whose technical focuses lend common ground each to the other. Technology Transfer Centers exist as full-service organizations with the express purpose of matching clients to the government technology which will best complement their own. This can be achieved by request of a client in search of technology or by a laboratory in search of licensees or co-developers.

What Can You Do First?

The primary rule of thumb to observe is always the same, no matter the extent or nature of your technology transfer need: KNOW THYSELF. What's the nature of your company's request? Do you need to know what available technology exists in relation to your gizmo? Do you want to develop the technology further on your own? Are you interested in co-development with a federal laboratory? Or perhaps you're a laboratory with a hot new patent and want to get the word out or find some licensees. RTTC specialists can assist you only when you are clear on what your needs are and can articulate them as clearly and fully as possible. Be prepared to give the rundown on what you do have and where you've been -- essentially, what you've tried and what's come of it, so the specialist can determine, with your assistance, how you can benefit from the services RTTCs provide.

Now That You're a Client

When coming through our doors, a potential client needs a well-written business proposal and, ideally, should possess a working prototype of the proposed technology. A complete and concise business proposal will illustrate to us what your technical ambition is, the scope and function (so far) of your company, and give our specialists the opportunity to identify the nature and level of possible application of RTTC services to your needs. Once it's determined how RTTC assistance would be beneficial to you, you'll be referred to a Project Manager.

Project Managers evaluate your needs and determine an appropriate course for successful development. An in-depth analysis, which could include an on-site visit, is standard. The more details available to us in determination of your needs, the more you help us to help you.

Information services within RTTC are most useful as a stepping-stone in the research process which will lead your company to appropriate matches to one or more resources, such as a federal research laboratory, NASA laboratories, other centers in the RTTC network or other private industry sources, or universities. Specialists can assess the marketability of your product that uses federal technology, the current status of the market where products similar to yours are presently available, and product `hurdles' you'd be likely to encounter and would need to overcome in order to secure a market share. We provide the client with an understanding of the position a new product ought to take in the market and to assist with identifying marketing alternatives which will work to the benefit and success of your business.

When All's Said And Done

Technology Transfer Centers exist to perform a service: namely, the connection of government and private sectors in technology. The NASA RTTCs are funded to create such lucrative intersections. We are your filling station on the information highway. Our information and technology brokering is unique for two reasons: we have a vast set of connections and resources available to companies; and because our services are subsidized, we are able to spend more time and effort with clients and tailor our services for each project.

Opening the doors to technology is our mission at the Far West Regional Technology Transfer Center. Tracking your progress keeps us in touch with the success and accomplishments of clients we've connected with labs to work on their projects or who have taken technology to further develop on their own. Every step up for you is a plus for us. Your success is our success.

We'll see you in May at the FLC meeting in Seattle!

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