TPI had its origins in the early 1990s, when some of its current principals (George Heaton and Christopher Hill) began collaborating with colleagues from Japan on research projects to examine U.S. and Japanese science and technology policy. David Cheney and Patrick Windham soon joined, having had earlier common affiliations at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the U.S. Congress. The group has a passion for, and experience with, science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy. We believes that societal decisions about science and technology affect the world's prosperity and sustainability, and that institutions around the world can benefit by better STI practices, guided by both research and practical experience. TPI and its individual principals have:
- * Drafted major U.S. technology policy legislation
- * Written reports that served as the basis for national technology policies
- * Developed research strategies for nations
- * Served as consultants to international organizations
- * Served as visiting fellows in international research institutes
- * Chaired, participated in, and staffed many National Academies studies and other high level advisory studies
- * Evaluated state and regional technology-based economic development programs
- * Developed strategic plans for new universities, research centers, and think tanks
- * Analyzed clean energy technology policies and options for states and regions
- * Developed and taught science and technology policy courses in 8 universities, as well as short courses on research management and innovation.