The technology transfer process between a large science-oriented and a large market-oriented company — The North American Rockwell challenge

This paper discusses the opportunities and problems presented in the transfer of technology in a very large company between its aerospace group and commercial products group. The process is presented in terms of the definition and value of technology, the difficulties of transfer, the objectives to be accomplished, the uses of transfer, and the management of transfer, including techniques for improving transfer. Emphasis is placed upon the practical economics of the process, the organization and motivation of people, and the various mechanisms, such as committees, a “switchboard” group, and other communication means that are being developed.