Explore the findings from TechLink's R&D Innovation Performance study data to discover the strategies distinguishing U.S. innovation leaders and identify the gaps that remain.
R&D Collaboration Spotlight
Highlighting data collected during the R&D Innovation Performance Study, the R&D Collaboration Spotlight explores how formal collaboration channels like federal technology transfer turn R&D practitioners into R&D leaders, including:
- How innovation leaders use technology transfer to accelerate R&D wins
- How government labs improve R&D efforts
- How to access available innovations

Executive Summary
This in-depth report compares findings from the inaugural study to new 2024 data to show how R&D strategy is actively evolving and the actions you can take now to make the biggest difference in your efforts, including:
- Plans and structures for innovation
- Prevalent R&D strategies and challenges
- Collaborative R&D with outside entities, such as government labs
- Innovation best practices and performance outcomes

Dig Deeper
Discover how companies in different industries approach R&D, including
industry-specific innovation trends and tactics.
The software industry — including developers of operating systems, applications, and programming tools — stands as the cornerstone of digital innovation across sectors. To keep up with the constantly evolving software landscape, developers are more likely to implement innovation best practices than other industries. Discover the R&D tactics that work for innovative software companies.


In the high-stakes field of biomedical innovation, companies are increasingly turning outward for inspiration and technological advantage. Discover how the biomedical industry can benefit from federal R&D.


The materials industry — including makers of plastics, rubber, textiles, polymers, ceramics, and wood — plays a key role in innovation across every sector. But materials manufacturers often fall behind other industries in deploying innovation best practices such as company-wide involvement in R&D. Discover how the materials industry innovates compared to other sectors and learn how to enhance your R&D strategy.


More Resources
R&D ARTICLES
& INSIGHTS
Gain perspectives and
get R&D tips
TECHNOLOGY MARKETPLACE
See what federal technologies are available to license
TECH TRANSFER
SUCCESS STORIES
See how others have used technology transfer as a pathway to success
Study Methodology
What is the TechLink R&D Innovation Performance Study?
The study examines company structures and outcomes for innovation efforts, highlighting best practices and performances as products and services move from ideation to development to market.
Research Objectives
TechLink’s R&D Innovation Performance Study establishes benchmarks for companies to measure and improve the innovation process. Our findings can help companies identify gaps in existing R&D processes and recognize opportunities to improve ideation strategy and execution.
Research Methodology
The R&D Innovation Performance Study surveyed 152 U.S. business leaders in July and August in 2024 across a range of industries and business types. Industries represented include, but are not limited to, high-tech electronics, materials, medical, and software. Business leaders surveyed hold at least the title of manager, with 26% of respondents identifying as a member of the C-Suite, and 16% identifying as an owner, partner, principal or chairman of the board. Participants span privately-held, employee-owned and publicly owned companies. The study was conducted by MPI Group.