This book presents an in-depth investigation into small business research activity supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Albert N. Link and Alan C. O'Connor explain the historical importance of small firms to the NIH and conduct insightful analysis of the Institutes and Centers funded through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Exploring prominent Institutes within the NIH and using data from the SBIR program, they discuss innovation and social benefits associated with the NIH's Institutes and Centers. Topics covered include commercialization success, patenting activities of firms, and correlations between diversity measures and various performance metrics.

Ultimately, the book delineates the success of the firms that receive awards from the SBIR, and these firms' abilities to support technological development. Small Business Innovation in the Public Interest is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers and students across health policy and economics, entrepreneurship, biotechnology and innovation. Policymakers working in the health industry will also find the insights into innovation funding beneficial.