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This paper contends that 'technology transfer' cannot be achieved by straightforward sale and purchase transactions. While any given technology may be describable in abstract terms, its effective use depends upon understanding and motivation in individuals. Achieving this harmony between theory and practice is a subtle process, most easily realized by prolonged interaction between donors and recipients, during which the two parties often change roles. The UK's government-sponsored TCS (formerly known as the 'Teaching Company Scheme') is an effective means of bringing about this intercourse, as is the 'Intermediate Institute' approach of the Warwick Manufacturing Group's academic-industry partnership.

This paper contends that ‘technology transfer’ cannot be achieved by straightforward sale and purchase transactions. While any given technology may be describable in abstract terms, its effective use depends upon understanding and motivation in individuals. Achieving this harmony between theory and practice is a subtle process, most easily realized by prolonged interaction between donors and recipients, during which the two parties often change roles. The UK's government-sponsored TCS (formerly known as the ‘Teaching Company Scheme’) is an effective means of bringing about this intercourse, as is the ‘Intermediate Institute’ approach of the Warwick Manufacturing Group's academic–industry partnership.