How do I locate sources of new technology?

Edward D. Cohen -- Converting Magazine, 1/1/2004

Locating new technology can be complex, because there is a vast body of technology from many sources, not all of which is appropriate for a specific business need. Therefore, the effort to locate appropriate technology needs to use a systematic approach, or considerable time and resources will be expended with no useable business results.

The first step is to define technology so that there is a clear understanding of what it actually includes and what can be expected when the sources are found. Technology is defined as the practical application of knowledge to industrial or commercial objectives. It includes all of the specific and information and expertise that are required for practical application of the concept.

Examples are tangible information such as patents, models, chemical formulations, hardware, test methods and computer software for process simulation and business management. It also includes intangible information such as the practical experience of personnel and general know-how. There are two technology categories that need to be considered.

The first is "new technology" which has just been developed and is having its initial applications. The second is "existing technology" which is in use in current applications, but not in your process. Often this latter category can be a good source because the technology has been developed and can be adapted for your needs, whereas new technology can require significant development effort.

Agent of change

Technology can also be considered as the agent of change, which will transform the current process or product state to a new improved state. Therefore, the next step is to understand the current state and identify the specific improvements that are needed. These improvements should be very broadly defined and can encompass technical items such as thinner applied coating weight, improved adhesion, lower solvent emission and handling thin webs.

They can also include system needs such as inventory management, quality control systems, environmental needs, training and procedures. The needed improvements identified are the search terms that will be used to locate specific new technologies.

The feasibility of the need should not be considered in developing the list. In addition, items which were rejected previously should be included because there may be new technology available. This list will be used to search for technology in the sources discussed in the next section.

The next step in the process is to use the search terms developed previously to search the sources listed below, in order to determine if the technology exists and who the people and institutions that possess it. The sources are as follows:

U.S. patents are an excellent source of technology and are available online at the U.S. Government Patent Office (http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html). These patents can be searched by key words or by patent classification and are an excellent source to determine the current technology status and the institutions and people who are active in an area of interest.
The U.S. Government has many laboratories, working in a wide variety of technology areas, from machine design to new materials to computer modeling. Those laboratories all are interested in working with industry either in joint programs or transferring technology. The website at (http://www.re-quest.net/g2g/govt/federal/labs/) has links to all of the government laboratories.
The National Science Foundation is a good source of new technology. It sponsors several Engineering Research Centers and technology programs. A complete listing is on their website (http://www.nsf.gov/).
Universities and specialized research centers are another source of technology. These institutions are developing new technology and are interested in finding practical applications. Examples are the Coating Process Fundamentals Program at the University of Minnesota, which has developed technology in many aspects of coating and drying (www.iprime.umn.edu/); the Web Handling Research Center at Oklahoma State University, (www.engext.okstate.edu/info/WWW-WHRC.htm); and the Institute of Paper Science & Technology (www.ipst.edu/), which conducts research on paper technology.
Technical societies have annual meetings where the latest technology is discussed. The papers presented are usually published in extended abstract journals and are available online for searching. These meetings also provide an opportunity for networking with the scientists developing the technology. These societies also have scientific publications and websites that can be searched.
Online searching using a search engine such as Google can locate publications and the current status in the areas of interest. Also, if specific names of people active in an area have been identified from the patent search, more of their publications can be located using search engines as well.
Large U.S. companies are also a source of new technology. Typically these companies have developed technology that is not being used for their current business and it is available for use with appropriate compensation. Technology Transfer Offices have been set up to assist in this effort.
Vendors are a good source for existing technology, which can be adapted for new applications. Typically, their latest technology is shown at industry trade shows. The Thomas Register (www.thomasregister.com) can also be used to locate companies in a given technical area.