Oregon Business Association

January 7, 2009

OBA Hosts AG John Kroger for Major Announcement on Technology Transfer

Oregon's new Attorney General John Kroger asked OBA and Tripwire Inc., to facilitate the announcement of a new plan to help speed the transfer of technology from Oregon university labs to the private sector.  Tripwire CEO Jim Johnson, who has long been an outspoken advocate for increased investments in Oregon's Higher Education System, welcomed the opportunity to host Attorney General Kroger as he outlined his commitment to high-tech job growth in Oregon.

Technology transfer is the process in which commercially viable research and innovation developed within the public university system is licensed and made ready for commercial use.  Some critics in Oregon have said the process is too slow for businesses to capitalize on opportunities.  The Attorney General outlined his strategy of working with OBA, business leaders and university officials to implement a plan which will streamline the process and help stimulate the state's economy.

"In the middle of tough economic times, the most important policy the attorney general can adopt is to speed up the development of new Oregon companies.  On his second day in office, John Kroger came to Tripwire to announce his commitment to making that happen," said OBA President Ryan Deckert.

Technology transfer is a self-sustaining cycle that benefits both business and the research university in tandem. According to the OSU Technology Transfer Research Office, OSU inventions earned nearly $2.6 million for the University in fiscal year 2008. A more streamlined Technology Transfer process will help taxpayers see a greater return on their investment in the public university system. That, in turn, will mean more money and jobs for people in Oregon.