Technology Transfer
Through partnerships and licensing of its intellectual property rights, NREL seeks to reduce private sector risk in early stage technologies, enable investment in the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, reduce U.S. reliance on foreign energy sources, and increase U.S. industrial competitiveness.
Principles
NREL develops and implements technology partnerships based on the standards established by the following principles:
Balancing Public and Private Interest
Form partnerships that serve the public interest and advance U.S. Department of Energy goals. Demonstrate appropriate stewardship of publicly funded assets, yielding national benefits. Provide value to the commercial partner.
Focusing on Outcomes
Develop mutually beneficial collaborations and align actions with business outcomes.
Reflecting Core Values
Conduct technology partnership processes through professional practices, action, and a respect for duty. Align with the fundamental values of honesty, integrity, fairness, stewardship, and quality.
Creating Transparency
Keep partners informed of goals, processes, decisions, and the status of actions as agreements are developed.
Ensuring Confidentiality
Maintain deep respect for proprietary business information and data.
Seeking Continuous Improvement
Measure, monitor, and seek feedback about processes and outcomes. Use this information to improve processes and practices.
Ombuds
NREL's Technology Transfer Ombuds offers an informal process to help resolve issues and concerns regarding the laboratory's technology partnership, patent, and licensing activities. As a designated neutral party, our Ombuds provides confidential, resolution-focused services.
Through the ombuds process, we encourage collaborative techniques such as mediation to facilitate the speedy and low-cost resolution of complaints and disputes, when appropriate.
The NREL Ombuds does not:
- Handle contract negotiation or other legal issues
- Act as a decision maker or draw conclusions
- Investigate or make formal recommendations on findings of fact.
The Ombuds also does not replace, override, or influence formal review or appeal mechanisms, or serve as an intermediary when legal action is involved or when legal counsel represents a party.