239 



marine-related technologies and systems for eventual commercialization. ASA has 

 recently licensed COASTMAP, an environmental monitoring and modeling software 

 system, from the OTC and sees strong commercial potential. In fact v/e will be 

 installing our first system in Florida shortly. 



We are also working with URI to expand the OTC concept with the potential of direct 

 state involvement. The state has proposed funding a series of major research centers 

 of excellence whose purpose will be to stimulate economic growth by technology 

 transfer from the university to private industry. The focus of this expanded OTC will 

 include ocean acoustics, marine environmental monitoring and marine foods 

 technology. The key to success of this approach is a close working relationship among 

 the partners. Private industry must be clear in their assessment of market potential for 

 the technology development that comes from the university. Integrated teamwork is 

 critical for this concept to be successful in creating new jobs. 



This approach to partnering can also extend to the federal government and its 

 oceanographic research arms. To the extent possible, research projects must be better 

 communicated to the business community that could commercialize the results. A 

 feedback mechanism, in which small business can help define and focus the proposed 

 outcome of the project, is desirable. 



We as a small Rhode Island business have seen few opportunities to partner with 

 federal agencies and believe that the root cause is the lack of incentive for these 

 agencies to interact with the private sector. At the agency level a communications 

 structure needs to be adopted to help information transfer via databases, newsletters, 

 workshops, etc. Incentives to individual program managers and principal investigators 

 in the federal government and academia to identify and promote the results of research 

 under their direction is needed. 



One measure of the success of research in oceanography conducted at the national 

 level is how it can affect the well being of its citizens. Clearly the knowledge gained 

 from research that translates into a strong national defense is important. The implicit 

 protection of our environment by devoting resources to a better understanding of the 

 physical and biological processes in marine waters is laudable. The transfer of 

 information, techniques and technology to the private sector is also very important in 

 that the economic viability of marine related industries can be enhanced. As we move 

 to a more service-oriented economy, it is important that the United States remain as a 

 world leader in the effective use of its research to provide employment opportunities for 

 its citizens in the use and export of knowledge. 



