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11/5/2007

National Study Finds SBIR Stimulates Innovation
by Mildred Holley, Technology Programs Manager

The National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council recently published its study of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Congress mandated this study when it reauthorized the program in 2000. The council examined two questions: does the SBIR program meet Congress's four objectives and can the management of the SBIR programs be made more effective.

The Council's report, An Assessment of the Small Business Innovation Research Program at the National Science Foundation can be accessed at http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11929. Findings of the study indicate that the program is sound in concept and effective in practice, although it recommends areas for program improvement. The Council's study concluded that the SBIR program should be reauthorized by Congress when its current authorization expires in 2008.

The study reports that the program is:
• stimulating technological innovation.
• increasing private sector commercialization of innovation.
• using small businesses to meet federal research and development needs.
• fostering participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation.

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