NASA looks to boost cost-sharing, technology transfer

During the presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to "promote cost-sharing initiatives between government and industry to increase the state of the art in various technical areas, such as microelectromechanical systems, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Obama will establish multiagency programs that focus on rapid maturation of advanced concepts and transfer to industry for commercialization."
 
In his fiscal year 2010 budget request, the president requested $184.8 million for the Innovative Partnerships Program, an increase of more than $24 million over the fiscal year 2009 amount. The program partners with industry, academic, government agencies and national laboratories, promoting technology investments, dual-use technology-related partnerships, cost-sharing and accelerated technology development.
 
It is not yet clear whether the full amount will be provided for this particular program, but the request qualifies the promise as In the Works.