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Citation |
Peterson CN, Olson DS. Transp. Res. Rec. 1995; 1516: 70-77. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1995, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
The demise of the cold war sparked an intense debate as to the feasibility of converting formerly defense-dependent, high technology companies to civilian or dual-use endeavors. Recently this topic has been linked to transportation, as many of these companies have identified potential transportation applications of their technology developed under defense sponsorship. Past attempts to diversify and a review of the literature indicate, however, that this transition is neither automatic nor easily accomplished, in part because of nontechnical barriers in the areas of technology transfer, organizational culture, marketing, and finance. Using the emerging domain of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as a case study, nontechnical barriers to this transition are reviewed. Drawing on a series of lengthy telephone and personal interviews with defense company leaders and the recommendations gleaned from a joint industry-public sector executive panel, this study addresses two questions: what are the specific barriers faced by defense companies entering the ITS and transportation market, and what is the appropriate industry and public sector response to these challenges? In discussing these issues, the conclusion is reached that the defense industry is making progress toward overcoming difficult barriers to entry into the ITS domain; however, continued formation of a public-private partnership with DOT and other transportation agency officials is needed to provide far-reaching transportation benefits. Language: en |
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Keywords |
Costs; Economics; Intelligent vehicle highway systems; Public policy; Technology transfer; Marketing; Technology; Motor transportation; Finance |