US Department of Defense technology transfer: the partnership intermediary model

This paper addresses technology transfer from the US Department of Defense (DoD), focusing primarily on licensing of DoD technology to the private sector. It first presents a profile of DoD as a substantial generator of new technology and patented inventions. Then, it discusses how DoD traditionally has engaged in technology transfer. Next, the paper highlights an approach DoD has been developing to improve the volume and value of its licensing to industry – the use of 'partnership intermediaries'. This section focuses primarily on TechLink, one of DoD's oldest partnership intermediaries, to illustrate the rationale, methodology and utility of partnership intermediaries.