Funds are provided for a study of the technological gatekeeping process as it relates to the dissemination of Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) research results. Technological gatekeepers are individuals in organizations to whom others turn to for technical information. They are key elements in an elaborate communication process that influences the flow of technical information into and within an organization. Data will be collected to ascertain the degree to which technological gatekeeping is a role enacted by members of the Industrial Advisory Board members at selected I/UCRC's. Finally, conclusions will be drawn relating the technological gatekeeping function to issues of information dissemination within member firms and the retention of firms as Center members. The principal investigator is qualified to conduct this study, and the Program Manager recommends an award of $29,512 for one year.
