Joint Ventures, Universities, and Success in the Advanced Technology Program

America's most innovative firms (with 40% + of U.S. patents assigned to U.S. entities during 1988-96) participate, often repeatedly, in the Commerce Department's Advanced Technology Program (ATP). Participation significantly increases firms' innovation (patenting) while receiving ATP support versus before and after. Firms generally increase patenting by 5-30 patents per year when participating-up 4 to 25% from before participation. University participation in a project increases firm patenting. Funding amount matters for single participants (often startups with small R&D budgets) with positive impact limited to firms with large grants. For joint ventures, participation is more important than funding level.