SBIR Reform Debate Begins
For years, the Small Business Investment Research (SBIR) program has been a key component in ensuring that entrepreneurs can provide critical products, services and technologies to America’s government agencies. This year, the program, which requires Federal agencies to set aside a portion of R&D funds for contracts with small business, is up for reauthorization. Last week, the House Committee on Small Business held its first hearings on the future of SBIR. While the debate has just begun, Congress will be reviewing many different aspects of the SBIR program. Key points of debate include:
• Should program funding and individual project sizes be increased?
• Should the program fund companies that are owned by venture capital investors?
• How can participating firms be assisted to more effectively enter new commercial markets?
• How can Federal agencies encourage more entrepreneurs to participate in the program?
Last week’s hearings were the beginning of what should be an interesting Capitol Hill debate on the future of SBIR and the role of small companies in the Federal R&D enterprise.
View testimony from the January 29, 2008, House Committee on Small Business Hearings on “SBIR: America’s National Technology Development Incubator.”
Technorati Tags: Small Business Investment Research, SBIR, entrepreneurs, House Committee on Small Business, House Committee on Small Business Hearings, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology
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