Getting Started in Technology Transfer

Abstract

In December 1991, Donald Duritsch accepted a position to initiate and operate a technology transfer office at a major US university. After more than thirty years in private industry holding positions ranging from manufacturing engineer to chief engineer to director of operations, he was motivated to cross to the academic sector by the challenge of assisting small manufacturers to become more productive and profitable. In this article, he describes the resources available to manufacturers in Ohio and relates the experiences of a new technology transfer agent during his first six months of operation. Finally, Mr Duritsch provides a short commentary on the keys to success in initiating and developing technology transfer.