Lessons in Technology Transfer Policy for the Atmospheric Sciences: A case study in Public-Private-Academic Partnership on Level II Radar Data

Outline of Proposed Research

Technology transfer policies seek to facilitate the application of scientific understanding to benefit society.  Successful technology transfer operations reinforce a technology’s public visibility and demand for new products and services.

Other technologies, such as information and bio- technology, have long traditions of technology transfer practices and policies.  However, large-scale technology transfer operations within the Atmospheric Sciences are a relatively new focus.  This project will review past and present technology transfer practices within meteorology in order to compile a “lessons learned” list from successful and non-successful technology transfer practices to-date. 

The central focus of this thesis will be a policy evaluation of the Level II Radar data deployment processes and outcomes.   Following is a brief outline of this case study within the thesis:  

• Evaluate the tech transfer process of the Level II Radar Data
• What was the original problem? (Timely, open access to Level II data)
• What alternatives existed to solve the problem? (Data management strategies, communication options, distribution rights/fees)
• Who and by what process selected the strategy for Level II Data distribution? (Review of project leaders, meetings, and comments)
• Outcome of Level II Data system improvements:
• Who is/is not served by the program?
• Is the program evaluated fully and regularly?
• Who is accountable for success and failures?
• Is the program dependable for long-term operations?
• Lessons for NWS partnerships policy development and implementation
• Lessons for U.S. technology policy