Elizabeth Reistroffer
Directory of Technology Transfer
TerraFuels, Inc.
420 S. Third Avenue
Lombard, Illinois 60148
U.S.A.
With the end of the Cold War, the United States (US) and the Former Soviet Union (FSU) have embarked on parallel paths of decreased defense spending and military conversion. Both the US and the FSU are similarly confronted with the environmental and economic impact of these new directives. Government programs that encourage development of appropriate technology to address environmental concerns can also serve to offset the economic strain of this transition period by providing support for emerging environmental industries and business ventures.
As an example of government initiatives to speed up the process of environmental technology development and commercialization, this paper focuses on the efforts of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish partnerships with private industry. Highlighting the DOE National Laboratory Consortium and associated research centers, the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is identified as the most fundamental form of partnership. Case studies in the area of alternative energy and biofuels are presented. The importance of patent and licensing programs that favor private industry participation in government programs is stressed.
Finally, as an indication of the positive effect that government - industry partnerships can have on environmental policy issues and public participation, the DOE Clean Cities Program is described. Suggestions are made concerning the framework for development of similar programs in the FSU.
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