Abstract

The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) conducted a survey of all joint ventures that received an ATP award between 1991 and 2001. The survey was conducted to understand the motivations and impacts of joint venture collaborations. The findings show that the most important motivation for participants to form a joint venture was to benefit from the complementary R&D expertise of their partners. In fact, most ATP joint ventures would not have formed without an ATP award. The majority of respondents reported that the joint venture undertook research that represented a new direction for both the company and the industry. ATP-funded joint ventures are more ambitious than other research in their industry and more technically challenging than typical company projects. These joint venture projects have higher technical risk and longer time horizons for realizing revenues or cost savings than typical projects at their companies.

About one-third of all joint venture participants reported that their ATP projects are based on university research with over half of the largest joint venture participants (in terms of number of partners) reporting that their research is based on university research. An ATP award fosters collaboration and trust among joint venture partners, and ensures stability of company funding for the project. The joint venture partners reported that the exchange of technical know-how was critical in achieving research success.

ATP awards funding to companies to undertake high-risk and innovative research that has the potential to create broad-based benefits for the U.S. economy and society. The ATP funds both single applicant companies and joint ventures, which must have at least two for-profit companies, but can also include universities, other companies, and non-profit research organizations. The funding for a joint venture is structured to encourage these collaborations. ATP funds joint ventures for up to five years, with no limit on the funding amount other than the availability of funds. Joint venture participants contribute at least 50 percent of total project costs. In contrast, single applicant companies may receive up to $2 million over three years for direct costs. Large, single applicant companies must share at least 60 percent of total project costs.

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Date created: August 2, 2006
Last updated: September 1, 2006

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