Event

Friday, October 16, 2026

Event Summary

On Friday, October 16, Bayh-Dole Coalition Executive Director Joseph P. Allen met with a delegation of professionals from South Africa to discuss technology transfer and research commercialization in higher education.

As part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, arranged by CRDF Global, the delegation’s visit focused on research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships between universities and industry.

In his remarks, Allen shared insights into how the Bayh-Dole Act enables American universities and small businesses to turn federally supported discoveries into commercial products, emphasizing the important role of strong patent protections and effective licensing in attracting private investment.

Drawing on his involvement in South Africa’s adoption of a Bayh-Dole-inspired law nearly two decades ago, Allen also exchanged perspectives with delegates on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs. He highlighted the Coalition’s recent report on the economic impact of Bayh-Dole, which documents the law’s success with thousands of startups and new products launched, along with millions of jobs supported.

The Coalition thanks the delegation for a thoughtful exchange and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing research commercialization and expanding its benefits around the world.