Research and Technology Transfer
This page contains information on research and technology transfer that is relevant to partnerships. Research and technology transfer are often key components in a successful partnership.
 Forest Service researchers and the wood industry have partnered to develop affordable, energy-efficient houses. The Research Demonstration House, available to the public, is helping to promote the use of these new technologies.
For example, many organizations and partners are currently researching new ways to use small-diameter trees and other woody biomass materials from forest stands thinned to reduce wildfire risks. Through technology transfer, such organizations can help forest-based communities learn to use these new applications and to make a living from nearby forests.
Research
- USDA Forest Service Research & Development is the largest forestry research organization in the world and the national and international leader in forest conservation. This research contributes to the advancement of science and the conservation of our Nation's valuable natural resources.
- The USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory is the nation's leading wood research institute. The laboratory’s scientists and support staff conduct research on diverse aspects of wood use and cooperate with universities, industries, and federal and state agencies.
- A number of non-governmental organizations conduct research on collaborative resource management, natural resource policy, or sustaining rural communities. These organizations include:
Technology Transfer
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The Watershed Research and Training Center in Hayfork, CA, promotes healthy sustainable community economies in healthy forests through research, training, education and economic development. It collaborates with the USDA Forest Service, higher education, government agencies, and private organizations.
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The Forest Service State & Private Forestry Technology Marketing Unit is located at the Forest Products Laboratory. This unit works with local governments, private landowners, rural communities, and forest industries to market technology for sustainable forest products conservation, processing, manufacturing efficiency, marketing, and recycling.
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The Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership, an alliance of 24 environmental and governmental organizations, is restoring the natural forest ecosystem of the ponderosa pine forests surrounding Flagstaff, AZ. Projects include the management of forest fuels to reduce catastrophic fire.
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Yellow Wood Associates specialize in rural community economic development. The firm provides training in participatory research, framing research questions, community-based indicators of forest health, and measuring progress toward common goals.
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Joint Fire Science Program is a six-agency partnership. It develops information and tools for managers and specialists dealing wildland fire issues.
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Income Opportunities in Special Forest Products Self-Help Suggestions for Rural Entrepreneurs. [PDF, 8 pages]. This publication describes special forest products that represent opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to supplement their incomes.
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Materials from the Smallwood 2004 conference, “Creating Solutions for Using Small Trees,” include presentations, handouts, and abstracts.
Patent and Licensing Program Information
- Forest Service Patent & Licensing Program Information
- Guides Forest Service inventors through the patent process and prepares patent applications.
- Finds appropriate partners to transfer Forest Service patented technology to the marketplace.
- Negotiates licenses between Forest Service, universities, and industry
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