The Stevenson–Wydler Technology Innovation Act was signed into law by U.S. President Jimmy Carter on October 21, 1980.

[2] Such details are in contrast with the Bayh–Dole Act, which leaves up to the universities the decision how to split the revenue between the inventors and the institution.

[3] The Act made it easier for federal laboratories to transfer technology to nonfederal entities and provided outside organizations with a means for accessing federal laboratory technologies.

The law, specified in 15 USC § 3710, also established an Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA)-- staffed by at least 1 full-time person—in any laboratory with 200 or more scientific, engineering, or related technical positions, in order to coordinate and promote technology transfer.

This Act was the first of a number of laws defining and promoting technology transfer.