Technology Transfer - Managing the Handoff

In order to successfully commercialize a new product or process many different people are involved along the way from the discovery chemist lab bench to the full scale commercial manufacturing plant.

With this comes a wide diversity of technical expertise, experience, work practice, communication style, and cultural differences. Much like the children’s game of “Telephone”, many of the details of a new process can slip through the cracks as technology is transferred from one group to another. Investing in understanding the people at the technology transfer interface is wise and will lead to more effective communication.

In this talk I will discuss handoffs between chemists and engineers and between the research and development and engineering and manufacturing functions. Additionally, I will share some personal experiences in technology transfer to a toll manufacturer and receipt of technology from a technology licensor.