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.
Arkansas entrepreneurs and researchers interested in learning more about this or
other SBIR/STTR opportunities are invited to contact Mildred Holley at
mxholley@ualr.edu, 501.683.7700 or 800.862.2040 (AR only).
This page is maintained by: ORTT Webmaster
Please e-mail problems, comments, and suggestions to:
researchoffice@astate.edu
