H.R.3239 - Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3239, the "Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act," aims to improve the commercialization activities within the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill focuses on enhancing the selection process, increasing flexibility in funding phases, establishing technology commercialization officials, and improving technical and business assistance for participating small businesses. It also emphasizes participation in I-Corps programs and introduces a commercialization impact assessment to measure the success of these initiatives.
Expected Effects
This bill is likely to streamline the SBIR/STTR programs, making them more effective in translating research into marketable products and services. By prioritizing commercialization expertise in the review process and providing more targeted assistance, the bill aims to increase the return on investment for these programs. The changes should help small businesses navigate the commercialization process more efficiently.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Commercialization: Prioritizing commercialization in peer reviews and assigning Technology Commercialization Officials will help guide SBIR/STTR awardees towards successful market entry.
- Increased Flexibility: Allowing agencies to provide more flexible funding during different phases of research can help businesses better manage their resources.
- Improved Technical Assistance: Authorizing recipients to select their own technical and business assistance and use funds to hire staff for training will lead to more relevant and effective support.
- Better Assessment of Impact: The commercialization impact assessment will provide valuable data on the effectiveness of the SBIR/STTR programs, allowing for continuous improvement.
- Patent Assistance: Providing patent assistance through the USPTO will help small businesses protect their intellectual property and gain a competitive advantage.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Bureaucracy: Creating new roles like Technology Commercialization Officials could add bureaucratic layers and slow down the process if not implemented efficiently.
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily focuses on improving existing programs, without addressing broader issues such as access to capital or market barriers.
- Funding Limitations: The limitations on the amount of funds that can be used for Phase Flexibility may restrict the ability of some agencies to fully utilize this provision.
- Reporting Burden: The new reporting requirements, such as the commercialization impact assessment, could place an additional burden on small businesses and federal agencies.
- Unintended Consequences: Changes to the selection process could inadvertently disadvantage some innovative projects that may not have immediate commercial potential.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the clause promoting the general welfare (Preamble). By supporting small businesses and innovation, the bill aims to foster economic growth and create opportunities for citizens. The establishment of a patent assistance program also aligns with Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, which grants Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).