session 1

Title

Innovating through Technology Spin-in and Spin-off

Description

Technology transfer is the process of using technology, expertise, know-how or facilities for a purpose not originally intended by the developing organization. Traditionally, technology transfer was performed at the end of a development programme, but it is now believed that the process should be started much earlier in the development cycle and continue throughout it. This would permit the identification of dual-use opportunities as well as the continual enhancement of the technology based on non-space sector (i.e. real market) feedback. It is a fact that the gap has widened between the technologies used for space applications and the technologies used everyday in terrestrial industrial or domestic applications. For instance, the level of technology and computing power embedded in some low-cost consumer products far exceeds what is implemented in today’s satellites. Equally, very sophisticated technologies and materials are currently used in many areas such as medicine, automotive engineering, computer gaming, textiles - some of which may have spin-in potential for space. Papers are invited which explore and describe not only how space technologies are being successfully transferred to the non-space sector, but also how both advanced and emerging non-space technologies can be identified and investigated at source for possible orientation of their development towards a space application – particularly for future space exploration. In addition, papers are also sought which discuss and describe the innovative technology development cycle in so far as transfer of the technology is concerned. Papers are also welcomed which discuss the return on investment in space activities and the opportunities for collaboration and new markets which utilize such innovations, as well as how access to advanced technologies improves the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Date

2008-09-30

Time

10:00

Room

Boisdale 1

IPC members

• Chairman: Mr. Nathan Hill, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, United Kingdom;

• Chairman: Dr. David Raitt, The Netherlands;

• Rapporteur: Ms. nona cheeks, retired from NASA GSFC, United States;