Technology Transfers

Technology transfer between federal laboratories and industry is increasingly viewed as a significant factor in the economic growth and well-being of the United States. Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) define the terms and the conditions of collaboration by federal laboratories and private industry on research and development. Although all CRADAs may not achieve the same level of benefits, both the federal agencies and private firms GAO reviewed benefited from the collaborations. The CRADAs offered opportunities for federal laboratories and industry to collaborate on research while meeting their missions. Technology from federal laboratories was transferred to the private sector, resulting in commercial products. Research and development programs were advanced. The sharing of resources helped federal laboratories and private companies accomplish the CRADA's objectives. In addition, some CRADAs showed long-term potential to improve the U.S. economy, health, and environment.

GAO found that: (1) although all CRADA do not achieve the same level of benefit, collaborative research and development agreements can be valuable assets in the government's portfolio of technology transfer programs; (2) many technologies generated in federal laboratories could have commercial value if further developed by private industry; (3) CRADA offer the opportunity for laboratories and private industry to share expertise and resources and advance research and development programs while meeting their missions; and (4) government-industry collaborations can have a positive impact on certain U.S. industries.