The Bayh-Dole Act’s Role in Stimulating University-Led Regional Economic Growth

The Bayh-Dole Act helped unlock the economic potential of federally funded research, but its benefits have not reached all communities equally. Today, there’s a growing push to ensure that innovation ecosystems foster inclusive regional growth—especially in historically underrepresented areas. Policymakers are re-evaluating how tech transfer, public funding, and regional partnerships can be better aligned to close opportunity gaps. By rethinking implementation, we can make sure public investment truly fuels broad-based economic development.