This volume examines the involvement of minority- or women-owned
businesses in technology-based research, with particular focus on the
differences in research outcomes in achieving commercialization.
Specifically, the authors empirically investigate the correlation
between technologies from projects funded through the Phase II Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the minority or gender
demographics of the owners of the businesses conducting the research.
This study offers an opportunity to not only examine public-sector
agencies' investments in research, but also to investigate if there are
race and/or gender gaps in such business' participation in innovative
activities. It also provides a means to understand innovation by
minorities and women in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Investments in fundamental science and technology research and
investments in human capital through science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) education are important building blocks of
innovation. Two methods of fueling innovation are to 1) accelerate the
commercialization of federally funded research and 2) ensure
opportunities for underrepresented minorities and women in the
entrepreneurial ecosystem. Despite this understanding, there is still a
disparity in the rates of educated men and women in STEM fields
participating in entrepreneurship. Moreover, the link between
underrepresentation of minorities and women across STEM fields
correlates with entrepreneurial entry and performance. This book expands
on these findings and estimates the probability that (1) a funded
research project reaches completion, (2) the developed technology is
commercialized, and finally (3) the commercialized technology is
successful in the marketplace (i.e., the business gained revenue and
market share from the technology).
