Technology transfer is a major driver of economic growth and a promoter of national security. In this episode, Dr. Walter Copan joins us to share some of the key technologies that enable this, some of the biggest challenges that need to be overcome on the innovation pathway, and how to enhance the degree of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Walter also talks about the importance of having a strong, predictable IP system, why community support is a key component of the technology transfer process, and the factors that require attention in order to ensure that the technology transfer sector reaches its full potential. 

Walter is the senior adviser of the Renewing American Innovation Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and serves as the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. He was named the 2020 laboratory director of the year by the U.S. Federal Laboratory Consortium and received the 2021 Bayh-Dole Award from AUTM for his contributions to innovation and technology transfer.

In This Episode:

[00:38] One of the key benefits of technology transfer.

[01:09] Introducing Dr. Walter Copan, senior adviser of the Renewing American Innovation Project and Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at the Colorado School of Mines.

[02:34] Walter explains how technology transfer drives economic growth. 

[06:43] The link between national security and economic growth.  

[07:52] Why the manufacturing sector is an important source of innovation in the United States. 

[09:03] Examples of the technologies that play a major role in national security as well as economic growth.  

[11:13] The importance of having a strong, predictable IP system. 

[14:11] Some of the biggest obstacles in the innovation process.

[16:56] How to enhance the degree of collaboration between the public and private sectors. 

[18:58] Why a supportive community is essential to successful technology transfer. 

[21:00] The global impact of the United States’ technology transfer sector. 

[24:07] Walter’s thoughts on how the fields of AI and quantum computing are going to affect technology transfer. 

[27:57] How to ensure that the full potential of the technology transfer sector is realized. 

Resources:

Dr. Walter Copan on LinkedIn

Renewing American Innovation Project 

Colorado School of Mines