The role of small firms in the transfer of disruptive technologies

The transfer of technologies from government-operated research laboratories to commercial firms can be a challenging process especially for small and emerging entrepreneurial firms. Since the National Laboratories have become major creators of disruptive technologies and small firms are more apt to commercialize disruptive technologies, it is important to get small firms involved in these processes. This paper covers an innovative program used by Sandia National Laboratories to transfer micro-electro-mechanical systems' technology to small firms through training, prototyping and access provided to all small and large firms alike providing the impetus to small and entrepreneurial firms to create successful innovations that can generate new industries. The effect of the model on small and large firms is also shown over the last few years. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.