The global marketplace has never been more challenging. U.S. industry is facing more competition than ever before—and the need to speed time to market and cut costs has never been greater.
To help U.S. companies increase their competitive edge, Congress mandated that—whenever possible—the R&D being conducted in federal labs should be transferred to the private sector. This process—known as technology transfer—is one of our nation's best-kept secrets. However, thanks to the FLC, more and more companies like yours are discovering the power of working with federal labs.
Recognizing the flexibility and confidentiality requirements of industry, federal technology transfer has changed drastically in the last 10 years—becoming more focused on industry's concerns and needs. As a result, more technology transfer mechanisms have been created, making it easier than ever to enter into partnerships with federal research facilities.
- Accessing Federal Expertise
Technology transfer is much more than licensing a patent or conducting cooperative R&D. Many federal labs offer opportunities for personnel exchanges—an excellent way to supplement your existing staff. Often, highly focused technical assistance can be provided to solve a specific problem—allowing your company to move faster than if using in-house resources only.
- Technology & Laboratory Location
Although your company may already have established relationships with one or more federal labs, expanding this network can result in tremendous benefits. The FLC offers a variety of accessible entry points into the federal R&D system—making it easier to find new partners.
- Leveraging R&D Costs
Building on R&D already accomplished by a federal laboratory is one of the most effective ways to reduce your R&D costs. From nanotech to biotech to manufacturing to electronics, the federal lab system offers almost limitless opportunities to build on your R&D efforts.
- Reducing Product Development Time & Costs
By using state-of-the-art federal facilities to conduct product development and testing, you can dramatically reduce your product development cycle. Another option is to obtain
an exclusive license to market a federally developed technology—a process that provides a much needed edge for smaller companies.
