Identifying the impediments to technology transfer to industry - A case study

In this paper the Institute for Surface Chemistry is presented with respect to its interaction with industry. The purpose of this paper is to learn what possible impediments can be foreseen for the commercial development of space by using the Institute's experiences of technology transfer. The Institute for Surface Chemistry is a commercial research institute that performs research in the field of surface and colloid chemistry in order to serve the industry with technology and knowledge, i.e. both know how and know why. It is concluded that in order to achieve a successful technology transfer to industry the customer needs must be understood by the researcher. Through a proper understanding the transferred research will be industrially oriented, delivered in time and, in many cases kept confidential. Furthermore, in order to achieve a good communication, the choice of wording and concepts that sell have been found to be very important.