Small Business Innovation Research Articles

SBIR mills and the U.S. Department of Defense

AbstractMultiple winners of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards have come under scrutiny by some in the public sector who claim that so-called SBIR mills fail to commercialize from their funded research. We examine this issue using data on a sample of SBIR awards awarded between 1992 and 2001. Consistent with the critique, we find a negative association between the overall number of previous SBIR awards and commercialization from a current SBIR-funded project. However, when we consider the number of previous SBIR awards related to the current project’s technology, we find a positive association thus suggesting previous technologically related awards increase the probability of commercialization. We extend the analysis beyond commercialization to patents and scientific publications related to the current award and find similar patterns of results. Our results also reinforce the finding of others that multiple SBIR awards are a heterogeneous metric.

Evaluation of the Impact of the BANI World on Small Business Innovation Activities

Evaluation of the Impact of the BANI World on Small Business Innovation Activities

Randomized Trial of the Effectiveness of Videoconferencing-Based Versus Message-Based Psychotherapy on Depression.

The authors compared the engagement, clinical outcomes, and adverse events of text or voice message-based psychotherapy (MBP) versus videoconferencing-based psychotherapy (VCP) among adults with depression. The study used a sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial design with data drawn from phase 1 of a two-phase small business innovation research study. In total, 215 adults (ages ≥18 years) with depression received care from Talkspace, a digital mental health care company. Participants were initially randomly assigned to receive either asynchronous MBP or weekly VCP. All therapists provided evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. After 6 weeks of treatment, participants whose condition did not show a response on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or was rated as having not improved on the Clinical Global Impressions scale were randomly reassigned to receive either weekly VCP plus MBP or monthly VCP plus MBP. Longitudinal mixed-effects models with piecewise linear time trends applied to multiple imputed data sets were used to address missingness of data. Participants who were initially assigned to the MBP condition engaged with their therapists over more weeks than did participants in the VCP condition (7.8 weeks for MBP vs. 4.9 weeks for VCP; p<0.001). No meaningful differences were observed between the two groups in rates of change by 6 or 12 weeks for depression, anxiety, disability, or global ratings of improvement. Neither treatment resulted in any adverse events. MBP appears to be a viable alternative to VCP for treating adults with depression.

On improving the legal forms of interaction between the ministry of defense and small innovative businesses

On improving the legal forms of interaction between the ministry of defense and small innovative businesses

Internationalization moderating the relationship between investment and innovation in small businesses in Latin America

Objective: This paper's main objective was to examine the extent to which internationalization efforts moderate the relationship between investments in research and development (R&amp;D) and innovation outputs taken by small businesses, that is, small and medium-sized enterprises - SMEs. Methodology: The methodology used consisted of quantitative research with data from 10,621 SMEs, from 17 countries in Latin America. The present study involved factorial and regressive analysis as well. Main results: The results obtained led to the conclusion that internationalization efforts have a positive and statistically significant influence on innovation outputs, allowing SMEs in Latin American countries to increase their competitiveness through constructing or improving products, services, or processes. Theoretical contributions: At the end of the research, it was also concluded that R&amp;D investments positively influence innovation outputs and that companies that invest in R&amp;D and additionally employ internationalization efforts are more likely to present innovation. Relevance and originality: It was the first time that a study jointly and empirically evaluated the moderating effect of internationalization efforts on the relationship between investments in R&amp;D and innovation outputs, totaling a sample of 10,621 SMEs. Managerial and social contributions: This study also contributed to the knowledge of Latin America, therefore, it is expected that a greater understanding of the barriers to the development of SMEs will be achieved, through the advancement of internationalization efforts, investment in R&amp;D and innovation. In this way, the aim is to encourage academics and practitioners to search for solutions to break these barriers.

Fundamentals of the development of innovation and investment activities of small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan

The article starts by highlighting the significance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kazakhstan economy, emphasizing their role as drivers of innovation, job creation, and overall economic development. It discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing finance, technology, and markets, which often hinder their ability to innovate and invest effectively. Moreover, the article delves into the regulatory and institutional frameworks governing SMEs in Kazakhstan, examining the policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a conductive environment for innovation and investment. It explores government support programs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms designed to stimulate SME growth and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the paper explores the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships between SMEs, larger enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to promote innovation and investment. It discusses the role of industry clusters, innovation hubs, and incubators in facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, and access to resources for SMEs. The article also examines the role of education and skills development in enhancing the innovative capacity of SMEs in Kazakhstan. It highlights the need for targeted training programs, capacity–building initiatives, and entrepreneurship education to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to innovate and compete in a globalized economy. Additionally, the article explores the potential of digitalization and technology adoption in driving innovation and investment among Kazakhstan SMEs. It discusses the opportunities presented by digital platforms, e–commerce, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in enhancing SME productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Collaborative Spaces as Intermediaries for Small Business Innovation

The rapid pace of technological change has been pushing firms to make their innovation processes more open. However, both inbound and outbound processes are complex to manage, especially for small businesses. These firms have their innovation activities constrained by missing capabilities, financial resources, and market reach. However, the existence of innovation intermediaries may overcome these issues by fostering collaboration among different stakeholders and thus bridging the gap between technological opportunities and user needs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyze how collaborative spaces intermediate small business innovation. A multiple case study comprising five collaborative spaces was carried out. Results indicate how each type of collaborative space may facilitate innovation according to their intermediation roles, type of governance, main members/users, type of knowledge produced, and the core elements of attraction they offer.

An examination of spiritual capital and innovation: insights from high-growth aspiration entrepreneurs in a developing economy

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the relationship between spiritual capital and small business innovation in a developing market economy and the highly religious society of Minangkabau.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used by analyzing the data with partial least squares (PLS), comprising 278 entrepreneurial and high-growth aspiration small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owners in a developing economy such as Indonesia.FindingsThe results showed that spiritual capital was a source of acquiring knowledge from innovation failure situations, serving as a catalyst for the occurrence of novelty and differentiation-related innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe perspective of spiritual capital was provided within a religious community, showing that future reports should produce comparative analyses from varying contexts. Since understanding entrepreneurs' perspectives and spiritual capital situation remained ambiguous, the performance of qualitative analysis was crucial.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs were expected to obtain considerable benefits from spiritual capital as a source of inspiration for differentiation and higher levels of novelty-related innovation. Similarly, policymakers should implement the capital and learn from failure to evaluate entrepreneurial SMEs concerning their capabilities.Originality/valuePrevious studies were unable to acknowledge an alternative source of innovation in a specific context, such as entrepreneurial SMEs with high-growth aspirations and spiritual capital. This is because capital contributes to innovation, helps in the assimilation of innovative knowledge and causes novelty-related innovation.

ОЦЕНКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВ УВЕЛИЧЕНИЯ ВЫСОКОТЕХНОЛОГИЧНОГО ЭКСПОРТА МАЛОГО ИННОВАЦИОННОГО БИЗНЕСА В РЕГИОНАХ РОССИИ И РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БАШКОРТОСТАН В УСЛОВИЯХ САНКЦИЙ

Assessment of the prospects for increasing high-tech exports of small innovative businesses in the regions of Russia and the Republic of Bashkortostan under sanctions is a significant indicator of the economy. The emergence of additional market niches, the possibility of developing internal and external demand for small innovative business products, is an opportunity for the development of the Russian economy. Western sanctions have both a deterrent and a stimulating effect on small innovative businesses. New market niches of non-Western countries of the world are being revealed. In these conditions, the development of high–tech exports to non-Western countries of innovative small businesses (hereinafter referred to as IMBS) from the regions of Russia becomes an urgent research goal. In pursuit of this goal, the method of comparative analysis and comparison of various groups of regions of Russia was used. This study has determined the relevance of the directions of development of high-tech exports of the IMB of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Goal. Assessment of the prospects for increasing high-tech exports of IMBS in the regions of Russia under the sanctions of Western countries. The objectives of the study are: – analysis of external challenges and conditions for the effective increase of high–tech exports of IMB in the regions of Russia; - development of directions and measures for the development of IMB in the regions of Russia and the Republic of Bashkortostan. Methodology. The assessment of the prospects for increasing high-tech exports of the IMB made it possible to formulate approaches to the development of appropriate state policy in the regions of Russia. Results. Based on the assessment of the prospects for increasing high-tech exports, the presented and analyzed data, the state policy of catch-up development in supporting the export of the IMB of the Republic of Bashkortostan is justified. Conclusions. The scientific and technological state policy of Russia should be transformed into a catch-up type of development of high-tech exports of IMB, based on domestic research and development. Sustainable and dynamic growth of high-tech exports of IMBS is possible with the creation of innovation belts around scientific institutions and universities. Which implement their own highly original intellectual property objects (hereinafter referred to as IPOs) in intangible assets (hereinafter referred to as IA) and know-how.

United States Military-Industry-University Nexus: the Sustainable Research and Development Collaboration

This research explores the effectiveness of collaborative Research and Development (R&amp;D) frameworks within the military-industry-university nexus of the United States, with a focus on innovative technologies that offer sustainable solutions. The paper uses Desktop Review as the research methodology to explore past literature and government reports on best practices and key factors contributing to disruptive technological advancements and sustainable practices within the US military. Some of the findings include best practices that promote collaborative R&amp;D and sustainable innovation within the military such as Federal Laboratory Consortium, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The paper concludes with strategic recommendations and actionable insights aimed at optimizing collaborative R&amp;D approaches to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and impact ful innovation in military technology. In conclusion, the research advances the ongoing dialogue and action aimed at optimizing the synergy between the US military, industry, and academic research institutions. The research intends to harness the potential of academia and industry to drive advancements in military technology while ensuring strategic national capabilities and long-term sustainability.

Strategic Priorities for Small Innovative Business Development in Russia

Strategic Priorities for Small Innovative Business Development in Russia

Freshness Indicating Substance Sensor in Meat Using Molecularly Imprinted Carbon Paste Electrode

Fresh fish and meat are rich in adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), which over time is converted via adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine-monophosphate (AMP) into the flavor component inosinate, which, with more time, is converted into the unpleasant-tasting components inosine and hypoxanthine . These six substances are indicators to measure the freshness and maturity of meat and fish. If these substances can be easily measured at the distribution site, fair trade based on objective judgments of freshness and ripeness will become possible.We are attempting a simple disposable sensor using molecularly imprinted polymer-immobilized carbon paste (MIP-CP). Graphite particles immobilized with a radical polymerization initiator were immersed in a solution of the target materials, inosine, methacrylamidophenylboronic acid, methacrylic acid, and methylenebisacrylamide, and graft polymerized by photoirradiation. The particles were washed with hydrochloric acid to remove the inosine to obtain graphite covered with an MIP layer. This was mixed with ferrocene-containing silicone oil to form a paste and applied to a commercial carbon screen-printed electrode (Zensor, Taipei) to obtain disposable electrodes. Differential pulse voltammetry was performed in buffer solutions containing inosine or sodium inosinate; the current at 0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl increased with increasing inosine concentration, but there was little sensitivity to sodium inosinate concentration as shown in the Figure. These results indicate that a sensor has been created that shows a highly selective response to inosine, which is the template for MIP. The measurement takes about 30 seconds. We will continue to improve the reproducibility and develop a sensor that can detect the other five indicator substances in the same way.This work is partially supported by Small-Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program of Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN), in Japan (SU23A03). Figure 1

Liliana Lemaître’s technological race: innovate or fall behind

Learning outcomes Upon completion of this case study, students will be able to analyze the interplay between small business growth and innovation in sustainable entrepreneurial success; evaluate factors influencing the adoption of technological innovations within startups; and decide on the optimal technological innovation for achieving sustainable growth in a startup. Case overview/synopsis This case study is about Liliana, a young Colombian entrepreneur. She had to decide how to innovate in her process of providing regulatory compliance and due diligence consulting services. According to Law 1778 of 2016, compliance and due diligence services became mandatory for companies with international operations in Colombia. Lemaître, Liliana’s venture, provided this service in an artisanal way. However, her market required the incorporation of technologies. Liliana must choose what to automate in her process and what to keep traditional. Not innovating meant Lemaître would be unable to grow, causing the sustainability of the business would to be at risk. Complexity academic level This case study is suitable for use for master of business administration students and in executive education short courses. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Usability and feasibility of a take-home methadone web-application for opioid treatment program patients: A Small Business Innovation Research mixed methods study

BackgroundMost patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) attend daily for observed dosing. A Stage IA (create and adapt) and a Stage IB (feasibility and pilot) mixed method studies tested a web-application (app) designed to facilitate access to take-home methadone. MethodsA Stage IA, intervention development study, used qualitative interviews to assess the usability (ease of use) and feasibility (ability to implement) of a take-home methadone app. The Stage IA market research was a two-week test with 96 patient participants from four OTPs. Qualitative interviews were completed with 20 systematically selected individuals who used the take-home app and 20 OTP clinicians (five each from the four OTPs). The Stage IB Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) study (24 patients and 8 clinicians in a single OTP) included quantitative assessments of the app's usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Thematic analysis coded participant and staff assessments of the take-home app. ResultsStage IA patients (mean age = 41 years; 52 % men, 57 % White) and IB patients (mean age = 38 years, 54 % men, 79 % White) described the app as “easy to use.” Compared to unsupervised take-homes, some patients preferred using the take-home app. In Stage IB, patients rated the app highly on standardized measures of usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Clinician ratings were more ambivalent. Patients rated in-clinic dosing as more disruptive than unsupervised take-homes and take-homes using the app. DiscussionA Stage IA study informed the development and maturation of a Stage IB feasibility pilot study. Overall, the take-home app's usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were rated positively. Clinical staff ratings were less positive, but individuals commented that using the app a) enhanced patient quality of life, b) provided new tools for counselors, and c) offered competitive advantages. The SBIR award enhanced market research with more complete and systematic data collection and analysis.

Bringing technology to market: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute SBIR Phase IIB projects

Abstract The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is the fourth largest institute in the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Surprisingly, there is a conspicuous void of policy studies related to the research activities of NHLBI in comparison to NIH or the National Cancer Institute. This paper investigates the likelihood that a business funded through NHLBI’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will commercialize from its Phase IIB translational support. Commercialization is one performance metric that quantifies a policy dimension of the success of the funded SBIR project. Based on an empirical analysis of sixty-one Phase IIB projects, we find that the most significant covariate with the likelihood of commercialization is the growth in human capital within the business since the Phase IIB award.

The Appa Health App for Youth Mental Health: Development and Usability Study.

Demand for adolescent mental health services has surged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and traditional models of care entailing in-person services with licensed mental health providers are inadequate to meet demand. However, research has shown that with proper training and supervision mentors can work with youth with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety and can even support the use of evidence-based strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In our increasingly connected world, youth mentors can meet with young people on a web-based platform at their convenience, reducing barriers to care. Moreover, the internet has made evidence-based CBT skills for addressing depression and anxiety more accessible than ever. As such, when trained and supervised by licensed clinicians, mentors are an untapped resource to support youth with mental health challenges. The objective of this study was to develop and assess the feasibility and acceptability of Appa Health (Appa), an evidence-based mental health mentoring program for youth experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This paper describes the development, pilot testing process, and preliminary quantitative and qualitative outcomes of Appa's 12-week smartphone app program which combines web-based near-peer mentorship with short-form TikTok-style videos teaching CBT skills created by licensed mental health professionals who are also social media influencers. The development and testing processes were executed through collaboration with key stakeholders, including young people and clinical and research advisory boards. In the pilot study, young people were assessed for symptoms of depression or anxiety using standard self-report clinical measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scales. Teenagers endorsing symptoms of depression or anxiety (n=14) were paired with a mentor (n=10) based on preferred characteristics such as gender, race or ethnicity, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) status. Quantitative survey data about the teenagers' characteristics, mental health, and feasibility and acceptability were combined with qualitative data assessing youth perspectives on the program, their mentors, and the CBT content. Participants reported finding Appa helpful, with 100% (n=14) of teenagers expressing that they felt better after the 12-week program. Over 85% (n=12) said they would strongly recommend the program to a friend. The teenagers were engaged, video chatting with mentors consistently over the 12 weeks. Metrics of anxiety and depressive symptoms reduced consistently from week 1 to week 12, supporting qualitative data suggesting that mentoring combined with CBT strategies has the potential to positively impact youth mental health and warrants further study. Appa Health is a novel smartphone app aiming to improve the well-being of youth and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms through web-based mentoring and engaging CBT video content. This formative research sets the stage for a large-scale randomized controlled trial recently funded by the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research program.

Unanticipated consequences: concerns about the sale of taxpayer-funded technologies to foreign entities

ABSTRACT An unanticipated consequence from the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is the propensity of U.S. firms to sell their SBIR-funded and developed technology rights to foreign entities. While such sales are factually documented in reports from both the U.S. National Academies and from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress has only recently shown concern about such activity. Using project-level data, we document the extent of foreign sales of technology rights. We also highlight the role of foreign development funding during the commercialization phase. Our statistical analysis finds a positive association between the probability of selling technology rights to foreign firms or investors and the receipt of foreign development funding. This finding might be a bellwether to the U.S. Congress and to other countries that have adopted programs that mirror the U.S. program.

Determinants of openness activities in innovation: The mediating effect of absorptive capacity

This research aims at analyzing the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on absorptive capacity (ACAP) and open innovation (OI) in small Colombian businesses, while also determining whether ACAP significantly influences OI. Additionally, it intends to measure the mediating effect of ACAP on the relationship between EO and OI. The study employed a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design, utilizing structural equation modeling. Data was gathered from a sample of 145 business owners in the department of Bogota, Colombia, using a simple random sampling technique and a self-administered questionnaire. The results indicate that EO strongly influences ACAP. Although no direct significant influence on OI was found, a significant indirect effect was observed. Furthermore, EO has a significant total effect on OI. ACAP was shown to significantly influence OI, demonstrating a full mediating effect on the relationship between EO and OI. These findings have important implications for entrepreneurs and decision-makers and contribute to the development of dynamic capabilities theory.

РОЛЬ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО ПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВА У ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННІ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ УКРАЇНИ У ПІСЛЯВОЄННИЙ ПЕРІОД

The article highlights the role of innovative entrepreneurship in ensuring the economic development of Ukraine in the postwar period. The state of development of innovation processes in Ukraine is characterized through the prism of allocation of the main indicators of innovation activity of domestic business entities. On the basis of the assessment of the state of development of innovation processes in Ukraine, the key problems that affect the effective formation and functioning of domestic innovative entrepreneurship and the innovation system in general are allocated. The main advantages of innovative entrepreneurship are allocated. It is noted that innovative entrepreneurship affects the process of structural reorganization of the economy, acceleration of its growth, creation of an innovative and competitive environment and efficient use of available resources. At the same time, it is noted that the role of innovative entrepreneurship is extremely broad and important, since it affects the level of knowledge intensity and competitiveness of the national economy. It is emphasized that in modern economic conditions, small innovative enterprises play a key role in ensuring the effective development of the innovation system. It is determined that small innovative enterprises have a number of advantages over large companies. They are distinguished by high mobility, dynamism, sensitivity to the slightest changes in the market situation, the ability to respond quickly to consumer needs, new scientific ideas and solving specific problems related to obtaining the final result from the implementation of an innovative product. It is generalized that in the current economic environment, small innovative business entities need support from the State, which should be aimed at applying the achievements of scientific and technological development and innovation partnership.

An acute respiratory distress syndrome drug development collaboration stimulated by the Virginia Drug Discovery Consortium.

The genesis of most older medicinal agents has generally been empirical. During the past one and a half centuries, at least in the Western countries, discovering and developing drugs has been primarily the domain of pharmaceutical companies largely built upon concepts emerging from organic chemistry. Public sector funding for the discovery of new therapeutics has more recently stimulated local, national, and international groups to band together and focus on new human disease targets and novel treatment approaches. This Perspective describes one contemporary example of a newly formed collaboration that was simulated by a regional drug discovery consortium. University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and a university spinout company, KeViRx, Inc., partnered under a NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant, to produce potential therapeutics for acute respiratory distress syndrome resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.