Mind the Gap: A Design for a New Energy Technology Commercialization Foundation

The United States’ strong support for energy research and development (R&D) should position it well to lead the global transition to clean energy. But the United States often has difficulty moving new technologies to market, and its energy innovators miss out on significant opportunities as a result. A non-profit Energy Technology Commercialization Foundation (ETCF) authorized by Congress to work closely with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) would help fill this gap. Building on precedents set by the diverse array of agency-related foundations that Congress has authorized since 1967, ETCF would foster collaboration between innovators inside and outside DOE as they pursue globally-scalable solutions to clean energy challenges.

ITIF presented a new report setting forth a vision and design for ETCF by ITIF senior fellows Jetta Wong and David Hart. The report draws on more than 140 interviews and two full-day stakeholder workshops as well as extensive documentary research.