Release date: August 19, 2025
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When we first launched The Transfer Files, our very first guest was someone who has shaped and lived the history of federal tech transfer, Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, or the FLC. Today, we’re revisiting that conversation, where Paul shares the fascinating story of how federal technology transfer took root, how the FLC came to be, and why this work matters to our economy, our scientific leadership, and the public good. Drawing on decades of experience as a scientist, engineer, and leader, Paul brings a deep perspective on the people, policies, and partnerships that have defined this field.
When we originally recorded this episode, the FLC was celebrating its 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone, yet still relatively young in the broader sweep of science and innovation. Since then, I’ve often thought back to this discussion during later interviews, especially as I’ve seen how far federal tech transfer has come in just a few decades. It’s a story of steady growth and adaptation. From its early days as a loose network of defense labs working together, to the passage of landmark legislation in the 1980s that gave federal labs the authority and responsibility to move their discoveries into the hands of companies and communities.
In our conversation, Paul takes us through these key moments: the 1945 Science, the Endless Frontier report that first envisioned a postwar role for federal research; the grassroots formation of the Defense Laboratory Consortium; and the pivotal Stevenson-Wydler, Bayh-Dole, and Federal Technology Transfer Acts that formalized tech transfer as part of every federal scientist’s mission. He also explains how the FLC evolved into a cross-agency community, supporting partnerships, cooperative agreements, and intellectual property management. All aimed at ensuring that innovations don’t just stay on the lab bench, but make their way into the marketplace where they can benefit taxpayers.
We also talk about how the FLC’s mission has expanded in recent years, from strategic realignment to new events, showcases, and tools designed to connect labs with industry. Paul reflects on the balance between virtual engagement, which grew during COVID-19, and the personal connections that remain the heartbeat of this work. And he shares what motivates him after years in this field: the satisfaction of seeing a product in the real world and knowing exactly which lab it came from. This is a conversation about history, impact, and the shared drive to turn research into results.
You can hear and share more Transfer Files conversations on the FLC website, YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and other popular podcast platforms. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest in federal tech transfer!
Resources:
Paul Zielinski | LinkedIn
Science: The Endless Frontier
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
Bayh-Dole Act
Federal Technology Transfer Act
In This Episode:
[01:50] It's been 50 years since the FLC was formed in 1974. In 1945, Vannevar Bush sent Science: The Endless Frontier to President Truman.
[02:20] This letter lays out how the laboratory infrastructure that won the war should be converted over to win the peace. It envisioned technology transfer, advancing science, and bringing new technology to the marketplace.
[03:36] Technology transfer is about completing the mission after the research.
[04:14] The Department of Defense formed the Defense Laboratory Consortium. It was a group of people with a similar mission.
[05:14] In 1974, the Department of Defense invited all the other agencies in, and the FLC was formed.
[06:21] The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act, the Bayh-Dole Act, and the Federal Technology Transfer Act changed and defined what we call tech transfer today. The first one was making tech transfer a mission for the laboratories.
[07:45] The Bayh-Dole Act formalizes the authorization for laboratories to manage their intellectual property. They can get patents and trademarks and license products.
[08:45] FTA helps set up public-private partnerships or cooperative research and development agreements.
[09:49] The FLC Awards program recognizes excellence in the field. It also helps motivate people. If you want excellence and an ecosystem for tech transfer to grow, it needs to be recognized.
[11:08] One of the most prestigious awards is the Harold Metcalf Award. He put his own career on the line to get the consortium finally put into law.
[11:41] This is the FLC's 50th golden anniversary year. The national meeting is going to be in Dallas, Texas, this year. They're also going to focus on where they've been and where they are going.
[12:58] Paul is a problem solver. He began his career in the army with a biology degree. He then worked in nuclear waste cleanup. The technology didn't exist, and they had to create it. This problem-solving was how he became involved in tech transfer.
[15:13] This path also led him to solving problems at the EPA and at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which all led to tech transfer.
[16:26] Some of the FLC's major accomplishments of the past decade include the growth. In 2020, the FLC board was realigned. They put promote, educate, and facilitate in the bylaws.
[17:25] Goals for the FLC in the next 5 to 10 years include expanding what they've already been doing. They are increasing tools and services and having companies do reverse pitches to know what they are looking for.
[18:32] A lot of challenges stemmed from COVID. The technology and ability for people to work from home have really changed the world. The downside is losing that personal touch.
[20:26] The virtual world does offer a lower bar to entry.
[20:52] The cross-agency community is the strength and the greatest part of the FLC.