1976 Defense Science Board Report on US Technology Export Control (apps.dtic.mil)

• DSB report emphasizes controlling design and manufacturing know-how over product controls.
• Four high-tech sectors studied: airframes, jet engines, instrumentation, solid-state devices.
• Active transfer mechanisms (technical assistance) seen as higher risk than passive product sales.
• Recommends DOD leadership in export control policy and streamlining CoCom list.

"A 1976 Defense Science Board task force report, led by J. Fred Bucy, concluded that controlling design and manufacturing know-how is essential to maintaining U.S. technological superiority. The report examined four high-tech sectors: airframes, jet engines, instrumentation, and solid-state devices. It found that active transfer mechanisms (like technical assistance, training) pose greater risk than passive product sales. The task force recommended that the Department of Defense lead policy formulation to control critical know-how exports, prioritize control of design and manufacturing know-how arrays, key production equipment, and products with sophisticated operational knowledge. CoCom agreement is vital but should not be solely relied upon for the most critical technologies."