Technology Administration

The Technology Administration was established by act of October 24, 1988 (102 Stat. 2593). The role of the Technology Administration was to assist businesses to develop technology that would increase their competitiveness in the marketplace. It identified and attempted to remove governmental barriers to the commercialization of U. S. science and technology; helped to identify priority technologies; monitored foreign competitors' progress in technology; advised the president on issues concerning commercial technology and related policy; and promoted joint efforts among business, government, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The office also managed the National Medal of Technology Program, the president's highest technology award. The Technology Administration operated the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), which collected and distributed scientific and technical information generated by the U. S.government and foreign sources. In 2007 the Technology Administration was abolished by act of August 9, 2007 (121 Stat. 587) Functions of the TA were absorbed into the National Institute of Standards and Technology.