Abstract
A gap exists between the expanding space of technological innovations to aid those affected by autism spectrum disorders, and the actual impact of those technologies on daily lives. This gap can be addressed through a very practical path of commercialization. However, the path from a technological innovation to a commercially viable product is fraught with challenges. These challenges can be mitigated through small business funding agencies, which are, more and more, catalyzing the dissemination of innovation by fostering social entrepreneurship through capital support and venture philanthropy. This letter describes the differences and nature of these agencies, and their importance in facilitating the translational and real-world impact of technological and scientific discoveries.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Claire Foster for organizing, editing, management, and comments on this piece; Logan Hart and Erin Barney for editing; and Roald Oien and two anonymous experts from the intersection of business, research, and government, for their insights.
Author Contributions
FS and MG conceived of the topic; FS, DS, BH, EH, JR, and MG wrote, revised, read and approved this manuscript.
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Frederick Shic has received research funding from F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, and Janssen Pharmaceutica, LLC. Daniel Smith reports no conflicts of interest; DELSIA is a subsidiary of Autism Speaks, a 501(c)3 organization. Brian Horsburgh is a trustee of NeuroNetworks Fund, a 501(c)3 venture philanthropy firm, and also holds positions at Immunova LLC, Epidarex Capital, and Blue Yonder Group. Eric Hollander has received grants from Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Curemark, Brainsway, Takeda, Forest, and Coronado. James M. Rehg reports no conflicts of interest. Matthew Goodwin has COIs arising from work with Janssen Pharmaceutica, LLC, Affectiva, Inc., Empatica, Inc., and Behavior Imaging Solutions, Inc.
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Shic, F., Smith, D., Horsburgh, B. et al. Catalysts for Change: The Role of Small Business Funders in the Creation and Dissemination of Innovation. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 3900–3904 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2636-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2636-x