3.2 Funding Breakthrough Research: Promises and Challenges of the “ARPA Model”

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What does the text suggest about the ARPA model and its relationship to basic research?

It is not suitable for basic research, which lacks a clear technology-related mission. (correct)

It is highly compatible with basic research that focuses on fundamental scientific principles.

It can be applied to basic research with some modifications to ensure mission alignment.

The text does not provide a clear stance on the suitability of the ARPA model for basic research.

What is a key characteristic of transformational innovation programs?

They are targeted toward specific social or economic outcomes, rather than undefined technical development. (correct)

They prioritize incremental innovation over radical breakthroughs.

They are driven by market demand and focus on immediate commercial applications.

They primarily focus on developing foundational scientific knowledge.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a requirement for an ARPA-ble challenge?

A type of research that aligns with the mission.

A well-defined research methodology and data collection plan. (correct)

A clear mission or set of goals related to technology.

A supportive innovation system for technology development and deployment.

The text suggests that implementing the ARPA model's four elements together is more effective than mixing and matching them. What is the primary reason for this?

The four elements are complementary and work best when integrated. Signup and view all the answers

The text highlights the importance of the innovation system in determining whether a research area is ARPA-ble. What does this suggest?

The success of an ARPA-like program depends on the maturity and readiness of the innovation ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a research area that might be considered ARPA-ble, based on the characteristics discussed in the text?

Developing a new sustainable energy technology for widespread adoption. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the text in discussing the concept of "ARPA-ble" challenges?

To provide a comprehensive definition of ARPA-ble challenges and their characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of adopting all four elements of the ARPA model together?

It enhances the overall effectiveness of the program by ensuring coherence and synergy among the elements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ARPA model primarily focus on?

Mission-oriented research on nascent technologies Signup and view all the answers

How do different management practices within ARPA agencies affect innovation?

They yield different types of innovation-related outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ARPA-like organizations play in the innovation system?

They act as a complementary piece in a diverse innovation system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a variable for evaluation within the ARPA agencies?

Level of technological readiness Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is characterized by the term 'blue sky' research?

Research focusing on fundamental science without immediate applications Signup and view all the answers

What does varying the tenure of program directors at ARPA agencies potentially impact?

The innovation outcomes within R&D management Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that the ARPA model is best understood within what context?

A broader innovation landscape that includes various research stages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is highlighted as a result of different R&D management practices?

Diverse types of innovation-related outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of projects like those funded by ARPA-E?

They may take decades to impact the market or environment. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the ARPA model allows program directors significant freedom?

Organizational flexibility of the agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the increased autonomy in the ARPA model?

Dependence on the talent of directors and staff. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge arises from empowered staff members within the ARPA model?

Less accountability for their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there tension between autonomy and accountability in the ARPA model?

Short tenure of program directors creates isolated programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that the ARPA model may not be effective for all organizations?

It lacks a standardized practice across all performers. Signup and view all the answers

What critical skill is essential for program directors in the ARPA model?

Strong leadership ability. Signup and view all the answers

What factor increases the risk of failure in projects under the ARPA model?

Weak talent among program staff and directors. Signup and view all the answers

What role do program managers play in the ARPA model according to Roland and Shiman?

They serve as 'connectors' within the research ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What unique access did Roland and Shiman obtain that is unusual for academic researchers studying DARPA?

Internal access to DARPA's archives. Signup and view all the answers

Which study found that MIT investigators with DARPA funding are more likely to form novel collaborations?

Colatat (2015) Signup and view all the answers

How does Sen (2017) characterize ARPA-like agencies in relation to conventional operations?

As islands and bridges within the R&D landscape. Signup and view all the answers

What key characteristic did Richard Van Atta mention in his Congressional testimony regarding DARPA?

It is lean and agile with a risk-taking culture. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data did Goldstein and Kearney use for their analysis of ARPA-E?

Internal program data from ARPA. Signup and view all the answers

What does Fuchs (2010) describe DARPA's function as?

Embedded network governance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method of research conducted on ARPA agencies?

Quantitative analysis of external data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge presented by the uncertainty inherent in research?

It complicates the evaluation of proposed projects. Signup and view all the answers

What method is most commonly used to cope with technical uncertainty in research?

Peer review by a panel of experts. Signup and view all the answers

How do subject matter experts influence the peer review process?

Multiple opinions are combined to reduce controversy. Signup and view all the answers

What bias is particularly concerning for organizations focused on transformative research?

Bias against novelty in research proposals. Signup and view all the answers

Which program director approach allows greater flexibility in funding decisions?

Expert judgment of program directors. Signup and view all the answers

How does ARPA-E differ from DARPA in its funding approach?

ARPA-E uses external peer reviews as informational inputs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the outcomes of using average review scores in project selection?

It has no correlation with selection decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does peer review face according to recent literature?

It can be biased based on demographics and novelty. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agencies was the first to be modeled after DARPA?

ARDA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the agencies modeled after DARPA?

To identify and address operational gaps in government agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Disruptive Technologies Office (DTO)?

Developing disruptive technologies for intelligence activities Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in research practices did Tether implement in the late 1990s?

Increased use of timelines and milestones to evaluate projects Signup and view all the answers

Which agency was created as a result of the America COMPETES Act?

ARPA-E Signup and view all the answers

Which agency has received the most attention in popular media?

DARPA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agencies is not considered an ARPA agency?

ATP Signup and view all the answers

What led to the creation of the IARPA?

The success of the ARDA program and its impact on intelligence operations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Funding Breakthrough Research: Promises and Challenges of the "ARPA Model"

All four authors involved in the National Academies review of ARPA-E (NRC 2017)
Azoulay and Fuchs were Committee Members
Goldstein and Kearney were consultants to the Committee
Views expressed are of the authors, not necessarily of the National Bureau of Economic Research
NBER working papers are circulated for discussion and comment; have not been peer reviewed
Short sections of text may be quoted without explicit permission

Abstract

ARPA model for research funding, spread from defense (1958) to other parts of US federal government
Goal: Developing new technologies
Key elements: Organizational flexibility, significant authority to program directors (designing, selecting, managing projects)
Focus: Mission-oriented research on nascent S-curves within an inefficient innovation system
Challenges to implementing ARPA model, role of ARPA in research funding approaches

Introduction

Sputnik 1 (October 1957) ignited space and innovation race with the US
DOD launched ARPA (1958)
DARPA's goal: Avoiding further technological surprises
Annually: $3 billion for extramural research, supervised by roughly 100 program managers

Elements of the ARPA Model

The "ARPA model" is difficult to codify precisely and has not been rigorously evaluated
Key feature: Flexibility and significant authority given to program managers
Explicitly prioritizing high-risk, high-reward projects
Disagreement about what to fund, often involving uncertainty of research outcomes
Emphasis on practical applications and commercialization of research

History of (D)ARPA and Its Younger Siblings

Initially created in response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik
Initially focused on preventing technological surprises and maintaining US technological superiority
Mission expanded over time, influenced by political and military needs
Developed a flat organizational structure that empowered program managers
Emphasis on “no-year money” for flexibility to adapt to urgent needs

What is ARPA-ble?

Research areas that are suitable for ARPA-like agencies
Clear mission
Type of research: Focused on nascent S-curves, bridging basic and applied research
Status of broader innovation system

Frictions in the Markets for Ideas and Technology

Challenges involved in moving technologies from research to broader commercialization, especially for areas requiring significant capital or regulatory approval
Defense industry, energy industry: High barriers to commercialization due to inherent complexities
Private firms underinvest in R&D, because they don't accrue all the benefits

Challenges for ARPA-like Agencies

Measuring long-term transformation: Difficulty in assessing the long-term impact of ARPA-funded projects
One-size-fits-all approach to project management: Needs for diverse methods for all different performers (large firms, academics, start-ups, national labs)

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Description

Explore the ARPA model for research funding, highlighting its evolution and impact across various sectors of the US federal government since 1958. This quiz delves into its key components, such as organizational flexibility and the role of program directors in mission-oriented research.