Investigate before Investing: Using Technology Transfer Principles to Guide R&D

Paper number

IAC-05-E5.4.06

Author

Ms. Laura Schoppe, Fuentek, LLC, United States

Year

2005

Abstract

As space activity moves into the future, and budgets are stretched ever thinner, it is essential that investments be strategically directed so that research and development (R\&D) goals are achieved in a cost- and time-efficient manner. Effecting an efficient R\&D strategy requires careful investigation into existing sources of technical solutions. By considering existing technology, a research organization might identify an opportunity to buy/leverage a solution---or at least the first steps toward a solution. In most cases, starting with a relevant technology paves a far less expensive and faster road to success than starting fresh at the drawing-board with an R\&D undertaking. This approach also benefits society as it supports the further use of existing technology and more efficiently spends resources (including tax dollars) where they can have the greatest impact: on new technology creation.

At the same time, and perhaps more importantly, exploring the marketplace early in the R\&D process helps identify the commercial/social needs that might be addressed by the technologies being developed as part of the space activity R\&D. By understanding what society needs and how space technologies might address those needs, an organization can direct its efforts toward compatible results. In this way, the resulting innovation is not merely a highly customized, specialized single solution but a versatile, useful, transferable technology. Even if the technology development plan does not allow for concurrent dual-use development for a commercial application, it is possible to plan for flexibility that will lead to successful transfer of the technology for commercial purposes.

The investigations into sources for potential technology solutions and the future potential social benefits via spin-off are complementary activities that can, and should, be undertaken simultaneously. The findings are dually informative and should be gathered before R\&D investments are made. This paper presents how to conduct these investigations and discusses the potential benefits for space research, using real examples from government agencies and corporations.

Abstract document

IAC-05-E5.4.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-E5.4.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.