An ad hoc committee, under the auspices of the National Academy of Engineering will plan and conduct a public workshop to assess the barriers and obstacles that may exist in the commercialization process. The scoping of the problem will provide a deeper understanding of what next steps are needed. In order to do this, the workshop will address two overall objectives:

· Understand how innovations based on academic and government research are currently commercialized in the United States. What are the various pathways to commercialization? Who are the key actors and what are the barriers and challenges they face?

· Understand the programs, policies, and practices in place to overcome the barriers and challenges. What has been successful? Where are the needs not being addressed?

Special attention will be given to lessons from the civilian sector that may be applicable to the development of defense technology.
The committee will develop the plan for the workshop and designate speakers and discussants. The committee may also commission papers to be presented at the workshop. An individually-authored summary of the workshop by a designated rapporteur will be issued in accordance with institutional guidelines.