Christopher D. Risbrudt

Economic Evaluation of a Federal Natural Resources Program: The Case of the Forestry Incentives Program

A major federal natural resources program, the Forestry Incentives Program, was evaluated. The program s internal rate of return ranged from 8.3% to 10. 9%, depending on which costs are included. The retention of forest practices established 8 years prior was excellent. Evaluation challenges include dispersion of program benefits throughout the rural United States, evaluating benefits accruing many years in the juture (75- 100 years), and multiple-agency involvement in program administration.

Conceptual and Empirical Themes regarding the Design of Technology Transfer Programs: A Review of Wood Utilization Research in the United States

Transfer of technologies produced by research is critical to innovation within all organizations. The intent of this paper is to take stock of the conceptual underpinnings of technology transfer processes as they relate to wood utilization research and to identify conditions that promote the successful transfer of research results. Conceptually, research utilization can be viewed from multiple perspectives, including the haphazard diffusion of knowledge in response to vague and imprecise demands for information, scanning of multiple information sources by individuals and organizations searching for useful scientific knowledge, engagement of third parties to organize research results and communicate them to potential users, and ongoing and active collaboration between researchers and potential users of research. Empirical evidence suggests that various types of programs can promote technology transfer (venture capital, angel investors, business incubators, extension services, tax incentives, and in-house entities), the fundamental effectiveness of which depends on research results that are scientifically valid and consistent with the information needs of potential users. Furthermore, evidence suggests preference toward programs that are appropriately organized and governed, suitably led and creatively administered, and periodically evaluated in accordance with clear standards of success.