The Advanced Technology Program: A public-private partnership for early stage technology development

<title/> The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) supports early stage technology development efforts by US companies. The ATP provides funding support to high-risk R&D projects that have potential for broad-based economic benefits for the nation. The rationale for government support of R&D rests on theory and evidence that the social benefits of R&D are greater than the private returns. The ATP has been active in supporting entrepreneurial start-up firms. The role of ATP as a public-private partnering programme extends from providing critical funding to early stage technology projects, and also includes aspects of encouraging collaboration among firms and other organizations, fostering information exchange, and facilitating technology entrepreneurship activities.