The better programs have long-term commitment from the buyer and emphasize training programs and counseling for suppliers. Direct suppliers often are quite large themselves. Advanced technology centers house advanced manufacturing process technology for demonstration and small product runs. Here small firms become more knowledgeable about the technology and can judge the advantages in acquiring such technology for themselves. These centers are more effective when integrated into a network of technology transfer services.
Proximity is perhaps the most potent means of enabling the informal linkages that are so valuable.
There are a number of geographic concentrations of firms in closely related industries with dense webs of relationships, typically including a substantial number of small firms with a wide variety of specializations. The firms are linked through the trading of goods and services, joint venturing around specific market opportunities, informal sharing of technology and ideas, interfirm flow of skilled labor, and the ready availability to expand if needed. The competitiveness of each firm is significantly enhanced. Trade and professional associations are among the oldest and most effective formal mechanisms for technology transfer. Meetings, conferences, and shows include opportunities for both formal learning and the informal building of relationships.