Innovation Over the Hype: SBIR / STTR or "America's Seed Fund"
Defense and dual-use technologies
Good morning!
Ever wonder if the very programs fueling breakthrough U.S. innovation might also be serving as backdoors for foreign adversaries?
America’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Tech Transfer (STTR) programs are engines of breakthrough innovation, and while they these programs are not without risk, the concerns shouldn’t overshadow the tremendous benefits they bring.
Congress recent inquiry letters to 11 federal agencies highlight potential vulnerabilities—such as CCP-backed companies bidding for awards, possibly gaining access to sensitive data or intellectual property.
Yet, after talking to dozens of experts and insiders, we believe these issues, while real, are far from the gravest threats to our technology and national security.
On one hand, there’s the genuine risk of foreign influence seeping into critical systems. On the other, the proven track record of SBIR/STTR in launching groundbreaking technologies that secure our competitive edge. Congr…
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