15 U.S.C. § 3702: Purpose

It is the purpose of this chapter to improve the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the United States by—(1) establishing organizations in the executive branch to study and stimulate technology; (2) promoting technology development through the establishment of cooperative research centers; (3) stimulating improved utilization of federally funded technology developments, including inventions, software, and training technologies, by State and local governments and the private sector; (4) providing encouragement for the development of technology through the recognition of individuals and companies which have made outstanding contributions in technology; and (5) encouraging the exchange of scientific and technical personnel among academia, industry, and Federal laboratories.