Through strategic investments in science and technology, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) helps power and secure America's future. DOE's capabilities, and the innovations it supports, help ensure the country's role as a leader in science and technology. In particular, technology transfer supports the maturation and deployment of DOE discoveries, providing ongoing economic, security and environmental benefits for all Americans.
"Technology transfer" refers to the process by which knowledge, intellectual property, or capabilities developed at the Department of Energy's National Laboratories, single-purpose research facilities, plants, and other facilities ("Facilities") are transferred to other entities, including private industry, academia, and state or local governments. Such transfers may take many forms, including but not limited to Lab Partnering Agreements such as: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Work-For-Others Agreements (WFOs), User Facility Agreements (UFAs), and licensing of intellectual property.
By ensuring the fullest use of the fruits of federal investment in research and development, technology transfer supports DOE's mission of ensuring America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
DOE is committed to meeting its technology transfer objectives in accordance with the guiding principles listed below, and to promoting the Department's efforts to make technology transfer more effective, thereby enhancing the impact of the science and technology discoveries made at DOE Facilities.