The Bayh-Dole Act’s Role in Stimulating University-Led Regional Economic Growth

America’s research universities are key drivers of innovation, turning federal research funding into new technologies, startups, and sustained regional economic growth. This wasn’t always the case, and the success can be attributed to the federal technology transfer framework established by the Bayh-Dole Act.

As Congress evaluates potential updates to the policy, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) will host an expert panel examining how universities are advancing technology-based economic growth in six states: Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, and North Carolina.

This in-person event on Capitol Hill will explore how academic research, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships are shaping innovation ecosystems—and what is needed to strengthen them going forward.