Technology transfer is difficult, for several reasons. We discuss various strategies for resolving their difficulties, especially those strategies that facilitate technology transfer from national R&D; laboratories to private enterprises. We focus on CRADAs in the United States and R&D; consortia in Japan: clarifying the advantages and faults of both for technology transfer. The technology transfer systems of the U.S. and Japan are different in important respects and encounter different problems. Both systems can utilize person-to-person communication in order to succeed in technology transfer.