Introduction to Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is an interactive process wherein technical information is gathered from many sources, packaged in a variety of forms, and distributed within the agency and to its clients. Technology transfer provides critical support to current programs in the following ways:

• offering information and solutions that are derived from other’s experiences to solve issues of others;
• providing methods or processes to programs that request assistance; and,
• assisting management in identifying future programs/initiatives to accomplish agency objectives. 

The success of a technology transfer program relies on effective communication with states, academia, professional organizations, coal industry groups, and other federal agencies.  Technology transfer activities may take many forms and can be, but is not limited to, the following:

• participating in the development and implementation of benchmarking activities,
• sponsoring interactive forums with our state counterparts on technical topics related to program objectives,
• sponsoring workshops on specific issues of interest to the states within the AR,
• representing the agency as participating members of national societies, such as American Society of Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR),
• presenting technical papers at state/regional/national conventions, workshops, symposia, etc.,
• supporting the National Technical Training Program by providing course developers and/or instructors,
• supporting the Technical Information Processing System program by providing support and instructors,
• providing displays at regional and local regional environmental programs,
• producing brochures, flyers, and other multi-media products and documents describing ARCC activities,
• hosting international visitors,
• providing information to public contacts through the Technical Library and at the Mine Map Repository,
• providing displays for federal outreach programs,
• performing videography and photography functions at public events involving OSM,
• conducting public information meetings,
• providing information to Congressional Representatives and Senators, utility companies, other federal agencies, rule and law-making authorities, professional societies and the press,
• preparing informational letters to municipality authorities,
• developing technical guidance on implementation of regulatory requirements,
• disseminating OSM technical reports on Title IV and V activities to SRAs and other stakeholders, and
• supporting the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative and associated watershed associations.