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Technology Transfer and Society
When research and development is ongoing, the results
are typically only available to scientists, not the general public. When
research and development is turned into an available product, innovation
and technology spread throughout society. It is the hope of all
institutions, organizations and innovators that when inventions,
scientific findings and cutting-edge research are put to use everyone in
society will stand to benefit.
There are many laws, institutions and corporations involved in the
transition from the laboratory to the general public. Patent processes,
intellectual property laws and institutions all play a role. In our
society, government, universities and industry interact to facilitate
technology transfer and ensure that this transition occurs to fulfil
public and/or private needs. These groups encourage innovation by giving
researchers support and providing them with services. Combined, these
efforts make scientific and research discoveries the foundation of
profitable companies.
Technology transfer is a complex process with many risks and potential
gainsIt is expensive, and each of the necessary stages can be risky.
However, if a new product is truly revolutionary, the possibilities for a
company to grow and society to benefit is enormous, and explains why so
much care must be taken in technology transfer.
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