A strategy for transferring expert systems technology to industry

A strategy is presented for transferring expert system technology from university to industry. This strategy is based on five years of experience in developing expert and knowledge-based systems for academic and industrial applications in Mexico. The strategy includes KBS (knowledge-based system) technology assimilation, applied research and development with graduate students in computer science and artificial intelligence, an annual program of seminars on expert systems, an annual international symposium on artificial intelligence applications, research agreements with companies to develop expert system prototypes in manufacturing, including the training of knowledge engineers from the sponsoring companies, and the formation of the Center for Artificial Intelligence to do human resources education, applied research, and technological development. Lessons learned in selling expert systems, problem domain selection, cost/benefit analysis, management of expert systems projects, and expert system tool selection are mentioned.<>