Promoting Transfer

Transfer involves more than carrying out research, filing disclosures, and providing products at the end of projects. Much of the success of the product, process, or finding will depend on who learns about it and when or how it is presented, and on what assumptions they make about products developed at the Center. Put simply, transfer is greatly facilitated by building a reputation. That reputation will come not only from the journal articles and conference presentations of investigators and from the publicity that naturally follows when quality products with good sales potential are developed, but also from well-planned promotional activities.

In this section of the Guide, we will explore some of the options open to you by getting involved in two externally oriented activities that contribute to reputation-building: publicizing the products, processes, and findings of the Center and providing technical assistance.

Even though you may not be accustomed to publicizing or "promoting," it is important for the Center to showcase its talent and its efforts to audiences of manufacturers and users. In the near term, promotion will pay off in much higher numbers of products, processes, and findings that have been successfully transferred. In the long term, promotion will also help the Center attract program funds for the research and development work you and other investigators are carrying out.

Investigator

Transfer Officer

Center Director