As governments and donors have economised, business has stepped forward in research and innovation, but merely focusing on profitable areas. Education lies at the heart of technological transfer. The public role in education is pre-eminent and must be supported. Policies of practical demonstration have proven the most helpful form of education. Private business can announce technology in advertisements or demonstrate it at fairs.
Governments have a role in monitoring claims and educating broadly.
Although the transfer of new varieties proceeds quickly and easily, transferring systems of management requires persistence. For example, America established the Conservation Technology Information Center in 1982 to encourage conservation tillage. Great progress has been made, but after 17 years, adoption is still ongoing. Uncertainties cloud the favourable outlook for the transfer of agricultural technology. Because people transfer technology most readily to solve a problem that is serious, certain and imminent, the uncertainty of climate change hinders transfer.