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26 EXPANDING THE USES OF NA VAL OCEAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 



use of the ocean science research community are a primary example of the type of 

 mutually beneficial exchange enjoyed by academia and naval research personnel. 

 Reports and initiatives in this area, however, make no provisions for the nonaca- 

 demic, domestic commercial sector (e.g., MEDEA, 1995). 



Transfer of ONfR-supported technology to the academic community appears, 

 in summary, to work well for both groups. The same cannot be said, however, for 

 transfer from ONR to the commercial sector. Despite the high potential for 

 transfer between ONR/NRL and the commercial sector, and the Navy's existing 

 mechanisms to perform the transfer, the exchange is relatively low and episodic 

 at best. The principal reason for this poor exchange appears to be a lack of ONR/ 

 NRL commitment and incentives to maintain the interaction necessary to foster 

 vigorous technology transfer with the commercial sector. 



The Chief of Naval Research should make it clear that technology transfer is 

 a major goal for the Department of the Navy, and therefore for ONR. Technol- 

 ogy transfer should become a part of the mission objectives for the Navy and be 

 incorporated as an integral part of the Navy Strategic Plan. The elements of the 

 technology transfer plan should be embraced by the senior management respon- 

 sible for its development and implementation. Specific metrics in performance 

 and scheduling should be established and reviewed quarterly by the Chief of 

 Naval Research. Recognition and rewards need to be established at the level of 

 the Chief of Naval Research to acknowledge the importance and accomphsh- 

 ments of efforts to promote technology transfer. Finally, the use of electronic 

 networking and active participation in nonmilitary trade shows and professional 

 meetings are absolutely vital to ensure a successful technology transfer program. 



