Aircraft Component Design, Inc.

Reauthorization of Small Business Programs Drive Aerospace Innovation

June 05, 2009

Arlington, Va. -

Reauthorization of government programs that enable small aerospace businesses to drive innovation and technology are important for our country’s future leadership and competitiveness, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said Thursday.

“The Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs are proven stimulus programs and consistently receive high marks across the board,” Blakey said in testimony to the House Contracting and Technology Committee. “They are the only game in town when it comes to government funding of early, innovative research and development for small businesses.” 

More than six million scientists and engineers are self-employed or employed by small firms, representing 38 percent of all the scientists and engineers in America. SBIR and SSTR programs allow this huge pool of talent to develop the next-generation of technologies.