Army Training Technology Transfer: A Systems Model.

Abstract : Innovations in training technology must be transferred from the researcher to the user to be effective. This system concept paper presents a framework for the establishment of an Army training technology transfer program, as well as suggestions to improve the acceptance and use of training research products. Training technology transfer is defined as the process by which research results become implements of useful change in operational training. The user can be civilian or military, functionally involved at levels from high- level review to the trainer in the field. The systems model developed here uses a linear approach to describe the four steps of technology transfer in the Army: analysis of requirements; research, development, test, and evaluation of solutions; dissemination of findings; and institutionalization. Within these steps, specific issues include assessment of military needs, consideration of the appropriateness of current RDT&E funding, user acceptance of new products, and the transition from innovation to policy, as well as prediction methodology and recommendations for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and feedback. Recurring throughout the transfer process are issues of sponsorship and the self-renewal capability of the research product.