TPI had its origins in the early 1990s, when some of its current members began collaborating with colleagues from Japan on several research projects to examine U.S. and Japanese science and technology policy.  In short order, the remaining principals joined, having had earlier common affiliations at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the U.S. Congress.

The working style of TPI brings its members, and others, together in flexibly managed projects that apply all individuals’ expertise, while allowing all members to pursue other professional commitments.

We have thus assembled a group of individual consultants with a passion for science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy who have long been committed to working together.  We believe 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.

While the current members of TPI are all American, other nationalities have been included in the past, and our focus is both international and domestic.

 TPI and its individual members have:

• Drafted major U.S. technology policy legislation
• Written reports that served as the basis for White House technology policies
• Developed research strategies for nations
• Served as consultants to international organizations
• Been appointed as visiting fellows in research institutes throughout the world
• 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

Partners

David W. Cheney (managing partner)

George R. Heaton, Jr. 

Christopher T. Hill

Consultant

Patrick H. Windham