Technology transfer in rehabilitation: A personal account

Technology transfer is the spread and adoption of inventions and techniques from one discipline to another or one sector of the economy to another [1]. Technology transfer between university and industry has become critically significant since World War II. During the 1950s, inventions created from public funding went directly into the public domain (e.g., polio vaccine). However, federal legislation during the 1980s created, for the first time, strong incentives for universities to acquire and hold patents. The intent was to promote commercialization of grantfunded innovations for the public good [2]. With federal and state governments as catalysts, there is now a closer interaction than ever between universities and the private sector, a phenomenon that has met with praise and some concern [3–5]. The concern is that the profit motive and confidentiality will limit the free expression of ideas that makes academia a compelling place to teach and practice. On the other hand, a close relationship between universities and industry, with appropriate diligence, creates opportunities for both [6]. Within rehabilitation medicine itself, technology transfer is problematic. In the rehabilitation unit, we see many of the same devices, weights, mats, resting foot splints, and wheelchairs that were used a generation or two ago. We know all too well that technology can confuse patients and that “simple is best.” However, some of the most innovative ideas (or products) for assist devices, pressure mapping, exercise therapeutics, biofeedback, “intelligent” prosthetics, virtual reality-based therapeutics, and functional electrical stimulation have yet to meaningfully penetrate the market for the benefit of our patients. This commentary defines the challenge of rehabilitation technology transfer and touches on practical solutions. GENERAL GUIDELINES OF REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER