US corporate technology transfer in hydrometeorology

Abstract

Corporate technology transfer by US non-governmental organizations with the substantial involvement of university faculty is a new activity in hydrometeorology. The issues involved in such US corporate technology transfers are discussed by way of two examples selected from the activities of the Hydrologic Research Center, a non-profit-making public-benefit research and technology transfer corporation in San Diego, California, USA. The projects discussed are: (a) the development and implementation of a robust state estimator for national use within the US National Weather Service River Forecast System, and (b) the development and implementation of a prototype multi-sensor rainfall forecasting system for the Panama Canal Authority. The issues covered include technical ones associated with improving theoretical formulations for robust operational performance, those associated with the necessary reciprocal education between modellers and field personnel, and the accommodation of the educational objectives of participating postdoctoral associates.