Summary

Research and engineering tool technologies such as the scanning tunneling microscopes, atomic force microscopes, laser systems, standards like ethernet or universal serial bus (USB) or quality control techniques have contributed largely to commercialization of a variety of technologies. Yet, despite their importance in accelerating commercialization, their development is often underfunded or not considered early on due to their quasi-public good content. While implicitly, certain programs such as the US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) fund tool technologies, suggesting their importance for bringing technologies to the market. Recognizing their significance could lead to a more intentional consideration of these technologies.