Innovation; *Models; *Research Utilization

This paper discusses the conceptual framework and methodology of the technology transfer process and develops a model of the transfer mechanism. This model is then transformed into a predictive model of technology transfer incorporating nine factors that contribute to the movement of knowledge from source to user. Each of these factors is examined in turn. Based on the predictive model, the author constructs an equation for calculating the "linker index, " which represents the effectiveness of an organization's ability to achieve technology transfer. The predictive model is then divided into two parts to r-'.1ect the relative importance of the formal and informal communications components of the transfer mechanism. (JG) Documents acquired by ERIC include many informal unpublished * materials not available from other sources. ERIC makes every effort