Health care has become a leading growth sector of the economy, and a large part of that growth has its origin in the research generated by faculty in academic health centers. This paper discusses an effective program for translating academic health center research into economic development based upon observations at 12 centers. Topics included are: (1) issues, suggesting major steps of the translation; (2) history of the translation; (3) site visits to the 12 centers; (4) research in the centers; (5) technology transfer; (6) criteria for successful transfer programs; and (7) recommendations for state governments and universities. (YP)