AUTM’s Seat at the Table: Elevating the Voice of Tech Transfer

AUTM is increasingly being called upon to lend its perspective on pressing policy and legislative issues — alongside some of the most influential organizations in higher education and research. This recognition underscores AUTM’s growing visibility and credibility in Washington, DC and beyond and reinforces the critical role tech transfer plays in shaping the future of innovation.

More frequently than ever before, AUTM has been asked to weigh in on matters alongside respected associations such as the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

“This shows that AUTM is a trusted resource and thought leader in the field of tech transfer,” said AUTM CEO Stephen Susalka. “When organizations like AAU and APLU seek out our perspective, it validates the value we bring to national conversations.”

AUTM’s expertise is also being recognized beyond the tech transfer community itself. Recently, the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Materials Research Society invited AUTM to join them for a congressional staff briefing on the importance of federally funded research. For context, the ACS alone is the world’s largest scientific society, representing more than 200,000 members. Many of those professionals may not have been familiar with AUTM before—making this invitation a powerful opportunity to showcase the essential role of tech transfer to a much broader scientific audience.

This influence is not new—consistent relationship-building with policymakers, agency leaders, and peer associations has been a focus for decades. Over that time, AUTM has cultivated credibility with both Democrats and Republicans, working closely with senators like Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), as well as with multiple U.S. Patent and Trademark Office directors across several administrations. Today, that foundation means AUTM is regularly invited into conversations that matter to its Members.

Just as important is the discipline AUTM brings to advocacy. “We don’t weigh in on everything,” Susalka explained. “We focus on issues central to our Members—patents, Bayh-Dole, and commercialization pathways. That clarity makes our advocacy more effective and relevant.”

For Members, AUTM’s presence in the policy arena ensures that the realities of tech transfer professionals—on campuses and in research institutions worldwide—are represented when key decisions are being made. Whether it’s advocating for reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Tech Transfer (STTR) programs or providing expertise on compliance and reporting, AUTM’s role is to make sure tech transfer remains central to innovation policy.

The impact extends beyond Washington DC. Stronger connections in the policy world elevate AUTM’s profile globally, creating opportunities for Members everywhere to point to the tangible results of their work. Policymakers respond best to real-world examples, and Susalka emphasizes that AUTM Members are essential in telling those stories.

“When you share how a product is in the marketplace today—whether it’s a therapeutic, a diagnostic, or a new material — it makes the value of tech transfer real and undeniable,” he noted. “Those stories give us the credibility to advocate on your behalf.”

Looking ahead, AUTM’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan calls for building permanent infrastructure and capacity for advocacy and ensuring that these efforts continue to be embedded in the Association’s long-term mission.

By strengthening its seat at the table, AUTM ensures Members’ voices are heard, their work is recognized, and the transformative power of tech transfer remains central to innovation policy—today and into the future.