Technology utilization: Managing the transfer of NASA aerospace technology to other industries

Abstract

Abstract In the legislation that established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958, Congress directed that NASA provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof—for the benefit of all mankind. The objective of this language was to maximize the benefit of and realize a dividend on NASA's investment in aerospace research and technology and provide the most effective utilization of the scientific engineering resources of the United States. NASA's response to this congressional mandate resides in the Technology Utilization (TU) Program, a multifaceted effort designed to facilitate the application of aerospace technology in both the public and private sectors. The program serves as a link between the innovators of technology and those who may be able to use it productively. Since 1962, NASA has stimulated the secondary applications of technologies developed initially for the agency's mainline programs through its TU program. Impetus to NASA's technology transfer activities (and to that of other government research and development (R&D) labs as well) was provided in 1980 by passage of Public Law 96–480, often referred to as the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, and later amended to expand and further promote technology transfer by the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (Public Law 99–502) followed by Executive Order 12591, Facilitating Access to Science and Technology (April 10, 1987).