The Role of Government in Turning Lab Research Into Real-World Solutions

Scientific innovations do not happen in a bubble. Researchers and the private sector often occupy the space for innovation in laboratories; however, government policies may create an environment where innovation is fostered or restricted. 

As a source of funding, oversight, regulation, and national research policy, the government can help shape conditions under which productive research may transform into productive outcomes more or less quickly and thoroughly.

Creating the Right Conditions for Innovation

In addition to funding, influence over strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at advancing research and development, many governments also provide programs that intervene to support research where certain labs are unable to gain access.

National science foundations or ministries often allocate a budget for various interventions meant to support early-phase research or infrastructure improvements in public universities and research laboratories. 

These are other important interventions that we must consider when we think about building research or technology pipelines that begin with the lab bench and end with some usable technology or product.

Encouraging Collaboration through Grants and Incentives

Programs like the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program are created to link small businesses to federal research possibilities. The SBIR's annual report stated that the program had over $3.5 billion in funds, with funding going to thousands of projects supported by public-private collaboration in 2022. 

These policies not only relate to the government investing in lab technologies but also help provide a culture of partnership and multi-sector collaboration.

Balancing Regulation and Innovation 

While the funding and support of innovation are important factors, regulations can impact whether or not lab-based innovations enter the marketplace and are adopted by people. 

Government agencies need to allow for the safe adoption of effective technologies, also to protect public health. Policies could unnecessarily delay innovation as long as safety is maintained, while regulations that are too lax could leave the public vulnerable to an unsafe outcome.

It can make a significant impact on the speed of innovation when regulatory approval includes clear guidance, transparent approval processes, and streamlined pathways for experimental technologies.

Building Innovation Hubs and Infrastructure

These innovation hubs encourage collaboration, advanced lab equipment, and a strong community of people engaging with each other.

South Korea and Germany are countries that have demonstrated effectiveness in developing 'innovation ecosystems' with support from both the Federal and local governments. 

In the innovation ecosystems discussed below, lab-based innovation is not solely driven by science but is also closely tied to the economic development and national competitiveness of the country.

A Catalyst for Long-Term Lab Research Impact

Investing in lab technologies allows for long-term, foundational research that often stimulates impressive breakthroughs long after the research is completed. 

Private industry is structured around products that are quickly commercializable, while publically funded research will conduct basic science that is less likely to have commercial value up front, but drives the core of scientific discovery into future technologies. 

This layering of public funding, creating structure and private sector development, is at the heart of some of the most transformative developments in the last 25 years. 

The internet is a great example of how many different players, such a Cisco Systems, Alcatel-Lucent, and the Canadian government, were able to collaborate in funding and policy development to create a commercially flourishing technology built off of public funding.

Conclusion

The role of government in the lab is strong but not often explicitly understood. From funding to regulation, infrastructure, and partnerships government supports the environment in that laboratory work transitions from theoretical knowledge to application.