The ESO Member States invest a significant amount of money into ESO's projects. Although the scientific return has always been paramount in justifying this investment, in these days of ever more ambitious and expensive projects, the pursuit of scientific knowledge alone is not always a sufficient justification. More and more governments are looking at the "Technological Return" they get from their contributions, and question the broader value to society as a whole of the money given for ESO's projects.

By identifying and quantifying examples of Technology Transfer at ESO, the process of Technology Transfer within the Organisation can be encouraged, and the awareness of the broader benefits to society within the Member States be highlighted.

Apart from direct technol