Science, Technology and Innovations

MADE BY:

2

What is technology?

• Technology is knowledge applied to the production of goods or services.

• Different forms:

- physical machinery

-production processes

-software

-tacit knowledge

3

What is innovation?

• Broad definition: The introduction of new or improved products, or of new or improved processes and organizational methods in the design, production and distribution of goods and services.

• Invention: A new, useful process, machine, improvement, etc., that did not exist previously and that is recognized as the product of some unique intuition or genius.

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Types of innovation

• All along the production value chain: production, design, distribution and marketing.

• Technological (related to the introduction of new technologies) or non-technological (organizational, managerial or institutional).

• Incremental (through small improvements), radical (through major breakthroughs) or revolutionary (a fundamentally important new technology is created).

Science and Technology

MISSION:

• Provide products and services to conservation planners

• Acquire, develop, and deliver technology in a timely manner

GOALS:

• Identify and meet field staff needs for scientific and technical information

• Deliver training and information to the field in a timely and efficient manner

• Respond to requests for information, research, and technology development from the field

• Provide scientific and technical support to program implementation

Priority Issues for the

Science and TechnologyConsortium

A TRAINED FIELD STAFF TO PROVIDE EXPERT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND OTHERS

DROUGHTWater Supply

Water ConservationGround Water Decline

ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

298,500 Animal Feeding Operations need assistance

FLOODS

Flooding remains a major concern in many watersheds

Grazing Lands Technology Institute

Science-based, ecologically and economically sound technology that meets the needs of owners and managers of grazing lands.

Soil Quality Institute

Assessment

Land Management for Soil Quality

Soil Biology

Education, Outreach, Training

Wetland Science Institute

Develops, adapts, and disseminates the science and technology needed to protect

and restore wetlands

Develops and disseminates technical materials that will assist NRCS field staff in working with their customers to create sound wildlife habitat.

National Soil Mechanics Center provides soil testing of samples submitted by the NRCS field personnel

National Water Management Center

Provides direct technical assistance to state specialists regarding water-related issues to help implement conservation activities.

NATIONAL AGROFORESTRY CENTER

A partnership between the Forest Service and NRCS that conducts research on forested buffers, and develops and delivers technology on agroforestry practices.