Date of Award
3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Systems Engineering and Management
First Advisor
Amy M. Cox, PhD
Abstract
Every year the United States invests $3.2B in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The program seeks to promote innovation among the nation’s small businesses. This research considers challenges faced by small businesses working with the DoD, which accounts for half of the annual SBIR investment. We surveyed participating businesses with open-ended questions to understand their perspectives. Our data consists of 286 responses from firms that have held Air Force SBIR contracts. Using Qualitative Content Analysis, we identified five categories of challenges: SolverSeeker Disconnect, Funding, Engagement, Processes, and Seeker Education. Furthermore, the results of a statistical analysis indicated that small businesses experienced in commercialization were more likely to emphasize the challenges of engaging stakeholders and identifying customers. The small business perspective reveals underexplored challenges. With this new insight, we can inform SBIR policies to improve the program’s effectiveness.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-129
Recommended Citation
Holt, Hart J., "Challenges That Inhibit SBIR Commercialization: The Small Businesses’ Perspective" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7750.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7750
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.