Technology federal government involvement

It would appear, therefore, that the results of industrial energy conservation R D by industry on its own would likely be held proprietary by a few dominant companies whereas Federally cost-shared RD D results would be available to all industries. Government involvement, therefore, enables equitable dissemination of new energy conservation technology. 

Although the development and commercialization of technology occurs primarily In the private sector, the Federal government has become Increasingly involved over the last two decades. 

Despite the difficulties Involved, the Federal government does have an essential role In the achievement of social benefits that would not otherwise occur as a consequence of the development and commercialization of technology In a free market. However, we must reexamine the way In which this role Is Implemented. Two principles could usefully guide this reexamination. 

These initiatives proved insufficient to bring about the desired amount of formal interaction between government and industrial scientists. The Federal Technology Transfer (FIT) Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-502) followed with financial and professional incentives to Federal scientists to actively pursue the commercialization of their inventions. The act also requires Federal agencies to share at least 15 percent of royalties from any licensed invention with the inventing scientists, and it directs agencies to establish cash awards with other personnel involved in productive Federal technology transfer activities. 

The government s major direct and Indirect role In the creation and deployment of the nation s technical resources needs to be fully recognized as future Federal policies are developed. In particular. It Is difficult to overstate the Importance of developing economic and regulatory policies which will significantly restlmulate the private sector s Involvement and Investment In technology development and commercialization. 

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