The state of the art in the study of technology transfer—a brief survey

Technology transfer involvesthe movement of new concepts, processes or products from one area of science or engineering technology to another. The nature of the literature dealing with technology transfer is described. Discursive or ‘wisdom’ literature predominates indicating a great concern with the problem by industry and government. There are some case studies that provide insights into various aspects of the process, but there are very few empirically based field studies. Apart from research on the diffusion of innovation and studies in other allied areas, little theory building with accompanying field tests of propositions has been done. It is now appropriate to begin such studies to obtain information that will provide a more sound basis for government policy and industry investment in R&D.