Identifying Key Determinants of Success in Rehabilitation Technology Transfer: Insights from the IMPACT Initiative

Research Objectives: To identify key determinants that influence the success of rehabilitation technology (RT) projects at various stages of technology transfer.

Design: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a comprehensive database of National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)-funded RT projects falling between 1983- 2023.

Setting: Data were sourced from the NIDILRR projects database.

Participants: The analysis included 2,007 RT projects, categorized into three stages: Stage 1 (grant awarded with no outputs), Stage 2 (paper published), and Stage 3 (patent awarded).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were the odds of projects advancing from Stage 1 to Stage 2 and Stage 3, considering disability focus, institution type, project type, and involvement of entrepreneurial support organizations.

Results: The analysis included 1224 projects at Stage 1, 701 at Stage 2, and 82 at Stage 3. Projects focused on mobility and manipulation had significantly higher odds of advancing to Stage 3 (OR=4.97, 95% CI: 1.85-13.36, p=0.0015). Companies were more likely to advance to Stage 3 compared to other institution types, while SBIR-funded projects showed higher odds of patent awards. The involvement of angel investor groups (3-6 members) increased the odds of advancing to Stage 2 (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.05-2.64, p=0.0311). Projects longer than 48 months had higher odds of paper publication.

Conclusions: This study highlights critical factors influencing the success of RT projects through technology transfer stages. Projects focused on mobility and manipulation, led by companies, and supported by SBIR funding exhibit higher success rates. Targeted support and strategic investment are crucial to enhance RT commercialization. Addressing identified determinants can improve technology transfer efficiency and impact, benefiting individuals with disabilities through greater access to innovative RT solutions. These findings provide a roadmap for optimizing RT project outcomes and ensuring innovative technologies reach the market to meet the disability community's growing needs.

Author(s) Disclosures: All authors listed on the abstract declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.