Working with employees in private enterprise
Employees in private enterprise are very likely to be involved whenever
you decide to bring a manufacturer into the project in an ongoing
relationship. In practice, your arrangements must be with the company,
even though on a regular basis you will be dealing with employees.
The Technology Transfer Act encourages joint research and
development, and the history of technology transfer shows that transfer
is most likely to occur when manufacturers are in agreement with the need
for a product and help in its design and development. Accordingly, you
should give serious thought to involving a manufacturer early in the
course of your project if a marketable product will result.
Previously, we presented an Operational Interaction Model for Technology
Transfer (page 27). It's important that you
review that model before you select a manufacturer for
cooperation. It very likely will help you to compare the alternatives when
more than one company "makes sense" as a partner. In brief,
compare the firms on the basis of their
- potential contribution and commitment to the project (see list in the
interaction model)
- their expectations in terms of exclusive rights and follow-up support
from the VA or Center staff
- the experience of their staff in the technological area of concern,
especially rehabilitation technology
- small business status (this is encouraged by the VA)
- proximity to the Center (this facilitates communication and joint
activities)
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Investigator |
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Transfer Officer |
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Center Director |
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