--- title: R&D Innovation Study Articles & Insights --- [Skip to content](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-study-articles-insights#main-content) ![Logo](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hubfs/techlick-logo-light.webp) ## R&D Innovation Performance Study # Articles & Insights - [Collaboration Spotlight](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-performance-study#collab-spotlight) - [Executive Summary](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-performance-study#executive-summary) - [Articles & Insights](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-study-articles-insights) ## Dive deeper into the findings from the TechLink's R&D Innovation Performance Studies. [![Biomed blog Sept](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Biomed%20blog%20Sept.png?width=1336&height=1266&name=Biomed%20blog%20Sept.png "Biomed blog Sept")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/find-your-next-product-through-ready-to-license-medical-inventions-from-federal-labs)   # Find your Next Product Through Ready-to-License Medical Inventions from Federal Labs  A recent TechLink study found that more than 90% of medical/pharmaceutical companies have licensed technologies from government labs in the past three years, and 73% formed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with six or more government labs during the same period.   **Learn how companies that work with a federal lab or license a technology from one are more likely to succeed in R&D. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/find-your-next-product-through-ready-to-license-medical-inventions-from-federal-labs) --- [![Screenshot 2025-09-05 at 1.37.12 PM](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-09-05%20at%201.37.12%20PM.png?width=664&height=659&name=Screenshot%202025-09-05%20at%201.37.12%20PM.png "Screenshot 2025-09-05 at 1.37.12 PM")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/materials-manufacturers-find-your-next-big-opportunity-at-a-federal-lab)   # Materials Manufacturers: Find your Next Big Opportunity at a Federal Lab  Researchers are developing new materials in federal labs every day, and companies can license those inventions for commercial opportunities. In some cases, companies can even work collaboratively with  government scientists.  **Learn how federal tech transfer and TechLink can support materials development ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/materials-manufacturers-find-your-next-big-opportunity-at-a-federal-lab) --- [![software development ](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-09-05%20at%2012.18.11%20PM.png?width=664&height=665&name=Screenshot%202025-09-05%20at%2012.18.11%20PM.png "software development ")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/software-companies-rely-on-government-labs-for-r-and-d-enrichment)   # Software Companies Rely on Government Labs for R&D Enrichment Software companies stay on the cutting edge of innovation by finding their next great ideas from federal labs. TechLink’s R&D study found that more than half (58%) of surveyed software companies have licensed technologies from more than five government labs in the past three years (vs. 46% of other companies). **Learn how tech transfer can fuel cutting-edge software development. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/software-companies-rely-on-government-labs-for-r-and-d-enrichment) --- [![R&D Collaboration with External Partners Leads to Innovation Advantages](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/R%26D%20Collaboration%20with%20External%20Partners%20Leads%20to%20Innovation%20Advantages.png?width=664&height=664&name=R%26D%20Collaboration%20with%20External%20Partners%20Leads%20to%20Innovation%20Advantages.png "R&D Collaboration with External Partners Leads to Innovation Advantages")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/r-and-d-collaboration-with-external-partners-leads-to-innovation-advantages-1)   # R&D Collaboration with External Partners Leads to Innovation Advantages The best ideas for R&D can come from external partners. TechLink's second R&D Innovation Performance Study shares how manufacturers can look beyond their own walls for "sparks" of innovation.  **Learn how to external partners can influence your R&D. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/r-and-d-collaboration-with-external-partners-leads-to-innovation-advantages-1) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Transforming-our-Business-Into-an-R&D-Leader-Square](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Transforming-our-Business-Into-an-R%26D-Leader-Square.jpg?width=1933&height=1933&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Transforming-our-Business-Into-an-R%26D-Leader-Square.jpg "Tech_Link_Blog_Transforming-our-Business-Into-an-R&D-Leader-Square")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/rd-leadership-transformation-expert-tips)   # Transforming Your Business Into an R&D Leader TechLink's 2024 R&D Innovation Performance Study shines a light on the barriers businesses face bringing new products and services to market.  **Learn how to differentiate your business through R&D. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/rd-leadership-transformation-expert-tips) --- [![RD_How_Federal_Labs_Can_Help_Companies-1](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RD_How_Federal_Labs_Can_Help_Companies-1.jpeg?width=1933&height=1933&name=RD_How_Federal_Labs_Can_Help_Companies-1.jpeg "RD_How_Federal_Labs_Can_Help_Companies-1")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/how-federal-labs-can-help-companies-spark-new-product-development)   # How Federal Labs Can Help Companies Spark New Product Development Ideation starts the research and development (R&D) process, but many businesses fail to ideate efficiently. Partnering with federal labs can help improve the process and speed up time-to-market.    **Learn how partnering with a federal lab can improve ideation efficiency. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/how-federal-labs-can-help-companies-spark-new-product-development) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square.jpg?width=1933&height=1933&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square.jpg "Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/larger-manufacturers-grow-with-r-and-d-best-practices-and-partnerships) >$100M Revenue # Larger Manufacturers Grow with R&D Best Practices and Partnerships To grow, manufacturers must continually deliver new products and services to their markets. The entrepreneurial spirit that launches companies eventually must be complemented by high-performance R&D operations.   **Learn more about large manufacturer R&D best practices. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/larger-manufacturers-grow-with-r-and-d-best-practices-and-partnerships) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Large-Manufacturers-Get-R&D-Help-Where-They-Can Find-It-Square](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Large-Manufacturers-Get-R%26D-Help-Where-They-Can%20Find-It-Square.jpg?width=1933&height=1933&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Large-Manufacturers-Get-R%26D-Help-Where-They-Can%20Find-It-Square.jpg "Tech_Link_Blog_Large-Manufacturers-Get-R&D-Help-Where-They-Can Find-It-Square")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/large-manufacturers-get-r-and-d-help-where-they-can-find-it) >$100M Revenue # Large Manufacturers Get R&D Help Where They Can Find It Large manufacturers typically have sufficient capacity to launch new products and services. Yet leaders at these firms also look for inspiration beyond their own R&D departments. **Learn how large U.S. manufacturers approach innovation. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/large-manufacturers-get-r-and-d-help-where-they-can-find-it) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Small-Manufacturers-Can-Close-Their-R&D-Gaps-Square](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Small-Manufacturers-Can-Close-Their-R%26D-Gaps-Square.jpg?width=1933&height=1933&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Small-Manufacturers-Can-Close-Their-R%26D-Gaps-Square.jpg "Tech_Link_Blog_Small-Manufacturers-Can-Close-Their-R&D-Gaps-Square")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/small-manufacturers-can-close-their-r-and-d-gaps) <$10M Revenue # Small Manufacturers Can Close Their R&D Gaps Small manufacturers aim to launch products that capture the imaginations of customers. Yet developing even a single new product takes capital, expertise, and time.  **Learn how to reduce costs and improve technology readiness for new product development.** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/small-manufacturers-can-close-their-r-and-d-gaps) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square.jpg?width=1933&height=1933&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square.jpg "Tech_Link_Blog_Market-Ready-Inventions-Available-to-Small-Manufacturers-Square")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/market-ready-inventions-available-to-small-manufacturers) <$10M Revenue # Market-Ready Inventions Available to Small Manufacturers Small companies don’t have to think small — or rely solely on their own knowledge and skills to get started. By starting with an idea that’s already been vetted or developed as a new product or service, entrepreneurs can focus on commercialization. **See what "business in a box" ideas are currently available to license from federal labs.** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/market-ready-inventions-available-to-small-manufacturers) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Air_Conditioning_Engineer_f04dd040e3](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Air_Conditioning_Engineer_f04dd040e3.webp?width=400&height=400&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Air_Conditioning_Engineer_f04dd040e3.webp "Tech_Link_Blog_Air_Conditioning_Engineer_f04dd040e3")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/DOD-Innovations-Detecting-Poor-Air-Quality) consumer durables # DOD Innovations Detecting and Reacting to Poor Air Quality Air quality is critical to overall quality of life. That’s bad news for 131.2 million people (39% of individuals in the United States) living in locations with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. **Learn how improvements in HVAC systems can improve air quality.** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/DOD-Innovations-Detecting-Poor-Air-Quality) --- [![Adobe_Stock_282982457_1_018242e252](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Adobe_Stock_282982457_1_018242e252.webp?width=326&height=326&name=Adobe_Stock_282982457_1_018242e252.webp "Adobe_Stock_282982457_1_018242e252")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/external-and-internal-collaboration-drives-consumer-durables-innovation) consumer durables # External and Internal Collaboration Drives Consumer Durables Innovation Consumer durables manufacturers produce various complex goods, including washers, dryers, air conditioners, and sports equipment. These companies leverage contributions from external partners and internal departments to develop high-quality innovations that can replace their product lines in the years ahead.   How will your innovation strategy leverage external insights and assistance?  [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/external-and-internal-collaboration-drives-consumer-durables-innovation) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_VR_Exercise_23338337a5](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_VR_Exercise_23338337a5.webp?width=326&height=326&name=Tech_Link_Blog_VR_Exercise_23338337a5.webp "Tech_Link_Blog_VR_Exercise_23338337a5")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/Mixed_Reality_Innovations) Software # Mixed Reality Innovations Spurred By DOD and VA Technologies The global mixed reality market — estimated at more than $4 billion in 2024 — is expected to grow to more than $26 billion by 2029. This explosion of virtual technologies is fueled by applications for nearly every industry including aviation, real estate, and healthcare.  **What applications in your industry can benefit from mixed reality?** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/Mixed_Reality_Innovations) --- [![Tech_Link_Blog_Computer_Code_b874260225](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tech_Link_Blog_Computer_Code_b874260225.webp?width=326&height=326&name=Tech_Link_Blog_Computer_Code_b874260225.webp "Tech_Link_Blog_Computer_Code_b874260225")](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/Best-practices-software-innovation) Software # Partnering and Best Practices Drive Rapid Software Innovations Few products go from hit to has-been as fast as software applications and systems. The list of nearly forgotten software — Hypercard, AOL Instant Messenger, Postscript, Napster— is long and growing. Software companies must invent their next great product *before* the current version is overtaken by new technologies.  **Will your software company find its next great idea?** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/Best-practices-software-innovation) --- ![materials-strategy](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/materials-strategy.webp?width=326&height=326&name=materials-strategy.webp "materials-strategy") MATERIALS # Strategy Must Guide Materials Industry Innovations Material manufacturers with effective R&D processes — i.e., those that generate a third or more of revenue from products introduced in the last three years — improve their odds of delivering game-changing innovations. **Will your materials company find its next great idea?** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/strategy-must-guide-materials-industry-innovations) --- ![materials-jumpstart](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/materials-jumpstart.webp?width=326&height=326&name=materials-jumpstart.webp "materials-jumpstart") MATERIALS # Jumpstart Your Materials Innovation with Federal Inventions The materials industry is rapidly entering new markets, such as biomimetics (the development of biomaterials and synthetics that mimic biological processes). Yet many materials companies aren’t as innovative as they could be. **How can materials companies can improve their R&D capabilities, especially those related to biomimetics?** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/jumpstart-materials-innovation-with-federal-inventions) --- ![TechLink-Study-Results-At-a-Glance-Thumbnail](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TechLink-Study-Results-At-a-Glance-Thumbnail.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=TechLink-Study-Results-At-a-Glance-Thumbnail.jpg "TechLink-Study-Results-At-a-Glance-Thumbnail") # 2022 R&D Innovation Performance Study: Results At a Glance Innovation drives business success, yet many companies lack an effective and efficient research and development strategy. Learn more about TechLink’s *R&D Innovation Performance Study* and the common opportunity gaps companies should consider to improve the innovation process. **See how your company stacks up. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/r-and-d-innovation-performance-study-results-at-a-glance) --- ![4keys](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/4keys.png?width=705&height=647&name=4keys.png "4keys") ### Four Keys to Innovation Success Innovation is the lifeblood of every organization. This study examines four keys that help companies (including high-tech, software, biomed, manufacturing, and defense firms) to achieve innovation success. **Unlock your company’s innovation potential with a four-step approach. ** [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/four-keys-to-innovation-success) --- ![Closing-Three-Gaps-thumbnail3](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Closing-Three-Gaps-thumbnail3.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=Closing-Three-Gaps-thumbnail3.jpg "Closing-Three-Gaps-thumbnail3") ### Closing Three Innovation Gaps Companies must overcome a series of obstacles that can derail products, services, or technologies as they move from ideation to market. Where are your innovation gaps — and how will you close them? [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/closing-three-innovation-gaps) --- ![Six-Ways-Leaders-Manage-Thumbnail-3](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Six-Ways-Leaders-Manage-Thumbnail-3.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=Six-Ways-Leaders-Manage-Thumbnail-3.jpg "Six-Ways-Leaders-Manage-Thumbnail-3") ### Six Ways that R&D Leaders Manage — and Profit — Differently 33% of executives from the Study describe their companies’ innovation capabilities vs. others in their industry as Innovation Leaders. These organizations manage differently and outperform competitors. Identify the most commonly overlooked opportunities.  [Read more](https://techlinkcenter.org/news/six-says-rand-leaders-manage-and-profit-differently) ## More Resources [![TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Benchmark-1](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Benchmark-1.png?width=200&height=165&name=TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Benchmark-1.png "TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Benchmark-1")](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-performance-study?hsLang=en) [ARTICLES & INSIGHTS](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/rd-innovation-study-articles-insights?hsLang=en) Gain perspectives and get R&D tips [![TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Executive-Summary-transparent](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Executive-Summary-transparent.png?width=200&height=200&name=TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Executive-Summary-transparent.png "TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Executive-Summary-transparent")](https://techlinkcenter.org/technologies) [TECHNOLOGY MARKETPLACE](https://techlinkcenter.org/technologies)See what federal technologies are available to license [![TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Webinar-transparent](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Webinar-transparent.png?width=200&height=200&name=TL-R%26D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Webinar-transparent.png "TL-R&D-Microsite-Icons-Articles-Webinar-transparent")](https://techlinkcenter.org/success-stories) [TECH TRANSFER SUCCESS STORIES](https://techlinkcenter.org/success-stories) See how others have used technology transfer as a pathway to success ![](https://info.techlinkcenter.org/hubfs/techlick-logo-light.webp) TechLink is the authorized national partner of U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs laboratories, responsible for helping businesses evaluate and license federally patented inventions. TechLink has worked with hundreds of companies to help improve their innovation and R&D efforts, establishing almost 2,000 license agreements between businesses and Department of Defense and Veteran Affairs labs for research and development. From these experiences working with industry, we’ve developed the TechLink R&D Innovation Performance Study. [Find R&D Licensing Opportunities >](https://techlinkcenter.org/technologies) ### R&D Innovation News Get additional R&D Innovation Performance Study highlights, info on technology licensing and R&D opportunities, and stay informed about the latest DOD and VA technology transfer news.  [Sign Up](https://share.hsforms.com/1rZGOjvm3SjCpjL98BD26AQc21t0) ©2025 TechLink. All Rights Reserved