In order to increase the use of federally supported research and development to increase U.S. industrial competitiveness, new partnerships are being developed among the research producers, users, and funders. This paper summarizes the evolution of federal technology transfer models with particular attention to university-industry cooperative research centers sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The advantages and potential problems associated with such centers are presented and the implications for technology and innovation are discussed. FEDERAL INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERResearch and development has long been considered essential to technological innovation, industrial competitiveness and economic growth. In response to the nation's diminishing ability to compete successfully in the international marketplace, particularly growing deficits in manufacturing and high technology trade, new institutional partnerships among the performers, users, and funders of research and development (R&D) have proliferated.At the federal level, attention has been focused on institutional arrangements which encourage private sector use of federally-supported R&D. Federal R&D spending is now over $60 billion per year. However, concerns continue to be raised about linking federally-sponsored R&D to the needs of the private sector for innovation and technology development. Recent federal initiatives to promote the commercial use of federally-supported generic or pre-proprietary research include the * Dr. Devine is Associate Vice President

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Science Foundation Budget Wtimate to Congress. 'Public Law 96-480. "For more details see the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, Report to the President and the Congress from the Secretary of Commerce. February 1984. ' g Ibid. "Ibid., p. 4. .-~ioTA MemormdD, "l)weloprnent and Diffusion of COlllmercial Technologies: Does the Federal Government Need to Redefine Its Role?" March 1984, p. 26. "public Law 97-34, August 1981. 'Eileen L. Collins, An Early Assessment of Thins li&D Incentives Prow"ded by the Econonu"