technology and society

How Social Comparison Between Emerging and Established Research Institutions Informs Proposed Amendment to the Bayh-Dole Act

Researchers, policy makers, and university administrators continue to debate how the Bayh-Dole act shapes innovation, technology transfer, and the economic development potential of U.S. research institutions. Newly released research by scholar Clovia Hamilton adds a fresh and timely perspective to this conversation. The article, titled “How socially comparing emerging research institutions to established research institutions informs proposed amendments to the Bayh-Dole Act,” explores how differences in institutional status, resources, and social comparison dynamics influence the effectiveness of federal technology transfer policy. As a case study, the article focuses on a survey of 245 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) STEM faculty and administrators.

This article is a must read for anyone interested in HBCUs. university inventions, patent licensing, university innovation policy, research commercialization, or the future of the Bayh-Dole.

Why does this research matter?

The Bayh-Dole Act has been one of the most influential pieces of U.S. innovation policy since 1980. It enabled universities to retain ownership of federally funded inventions, sparking the modern technology transfer ecosystem. However, not all institutions benefit equally.

Hamilton’s research examines:

how emerging research institutions compare themselves to long established research universities
how these comparisons potentially shape their ability to participate in technology transfer
structural disadvantages that may require policy adjustments
proposed amendments to Bayh-Dole that could level the playing field

This research analysis is especially relevant as policy makers revisit Bayh-Dole in light of equity, regional innovation, and national competitiveness concerns.

Key Themes Explored in the Article

This legal research offers a thoughtful and much needed analysis of how emerging research institutions like HBCUs navigate the technology transfer landscape shaped by the Bayh Dole Act. As policy makers consider updates to the law, this work provides valuable insight into how federal innovation policy can better support a diverse range of universities. There are five key themes explored in this law article.

1. Social Comparison Theory in Higher Education

This paper applies Leon Festinger’s social comparison theory to understand how emerging institutions evaluate themselves relative to established research universities.

2. Unequal Technology Transfer Capacity

Differences in funding, staffing and research infrastructure create persistent gaps in commercialization outcomes.

3. Policy Implications for Bayh-Dole

Hamilton proposes amendments aimed at improving equity in federal research commercialization, support for under-resourced institutions, and national innovation capacity.

4. The Future of University Technology Transfer

This research raises important questions about how the US can broaden participation in innovation ecosystems at HBCUs!

Click to get your copy here!

Money is Morphing – learn about cryptocurrency

In her article titled “Money is Morphing – Cryptocurrency Can Morph to Be a Sustainable money is morphing learn about cryptocurrency Alternative to Traditional Banking,” Clovia Hamilton explores the potential of cryptocurrency as an environmentally and financially sustainable alternative to traditional banking systems.

Money is morphing cryptocurrency research is a bibliometric study conducted using the critically appraised topic method using 201 publications between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2022. The research focuses on the pros and cons of using cryptocurrency. This currency can provide improved access to banking and inclusion for many people in underdeveloped countries that lack banking services. Additionally, this study addresses how cryptocurrency can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional banking. traditional community financial institutions and how traditional currencies can morph by embracing digital financial technology. Financial institutions can remain relevant in the face of digital asset and cryptocurrency innovations. Ten recommendations for cryptocurrency policies and legal regulations were gleaned from this bibliometric study.

Professor Hamilton highlights the following key points:

Cryptocurrency Benefits:
- Money is morphing with the advance of cryptocurrency and digital currency can improve access to banking and financial inclusion, especially in underdeveloped countries lacking traditional banking services.
- In addition, blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enables decentralized, secure transactions on peer-to-peer networks.
Energy Consumption Concerns:
- Creating a single new bitcoin consumes as much electricity as a typical US household in 57 days.
- Further, the annual energy consumption related to crypto mining is equivalent to that of Sweden (135 TWh).
Recommendations for Sustainability:
- Hamilton suggests that traditional community financial institutions and currencies can adapt by embracing digital financial technology.
- Implementing the study’s recommendations can lead to more inclusive, community-oriented, and environmentally friendly use of cryptocurrency.

See Clovia’s research presentation

Writing this summer? Please cite Clovia Hamilton’s research!

Cite Clovia Hamilton’s research (smile)! Professor Clovia Hamilton loves research and I am very proud of this body of research developed over the course of more than 20 years! If you are writing this summer, please cite Clovia Hamilton’s research! black male researcher writing

Lay summaries

Writing This Summer? Cite Clovia Hamilton’s Research!

If you’re writing this summer—whether it’s a journal article, conference paper, blog post, or policy brief—please consider citing the work of Professor Clovia Hamilton. With over 20 years of scholarship spanning AI ethics, data privacy, intellectual property, and diversity in STEM, her research offers a rich foundation for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike.

Why Clovia Hamilton’s Work Matters

Professor Hamilton’s research is grounded in real-world challenges and offers actionable insights. Her scholarship addresses some of today’s most pressing issues, including:

The ethical deployment of AI and robotics in law enforcement
Sustainable cryptocurrency practices
Inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship
University technology transfer and commercialization
Intellectual property rights and antitrust policy

Her work is not only academically rigorous but also deeply committed to social justice, equity, and sustainability.

Highlights from Her Research Portfolio

One standout publication is her 2024 article in the DePaul Business & Commercial Law Journal, titled “Money is Morphing.” In it, Hamilton explores how cryptocurrency could evolve into an environmentally and financially sustainable alternative to traditional banking. She reviews 201 publications from 2013 to 2022 and offers ten policy recommendations for crypto companies, including signing the Crypto Climate Accord, using renewable energy, and supporting unbanked communities.

Transitioning from fintech to public safety, Hamilton’s 2023 co-authored paper on smart policing—presented at the American Society for Engineering Management Conference—examines the ethical and cybersecurity implications of deploying robocops. The study recommends transparency, robust data analysis capabilities, and the appointment of AI ethics czars to oversee implementation.

Bridging Technology and Social Equity

Hamilton’s work also shines in the realm of diversity and inclusion. Her 2020 article in the Applied Management Journal, “Increasing Diversity among Women Entrepreneurs in High Growth High Tech Using HBCU Female Academic Entrepreneurs,” outlines how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can enhance tech transfer and entrepreneurship among women faculty. She proposes model IP policies and highlights the importance of resource allocation and institutional support.

In another compelling piece, “Black Americans Past and Present Created Frugal Innovations,” Hamilton challenges dominant narratives in innovation studies by documenting how Black Americans have long practiced frugal innovation and circular economy principles—often without recognition.

A Call to Action for Scholars and Writers

Whether you’re researching AI governance, sustainable finance, or inclusive innovation, Professor Hamilton’s work offers a wealth of knowledge. Her publications span peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, black female researcher writing and book chapters, making them accessible across disciplines.

As you write this summer, take a moment to explore and cite her research. Doing so not only strengthens your own work but also helps amplify the voices of scholars committed to equity, sustainability, and ethical innovation.

You can find her full list of publications at cloviahamilton.com

If you are writing this summer, please cite Dr. Clovia Hamilton’s research!

Summer 2024

Voice Activate Cognitive Personal Assistants

Alexa device

This research is about voice activated cognitive personal assistants. In this article, we address the issue of consumer privacy against the backdrop of the national priority of maintaining global leadership in artificial intelligence. The ongoing research in Artificial Cognitive Assistants is discussed.

Also, there is explosive growth in the development and application of Voice Activated Personal Assistants (VAPAs) such as Alexa and Siri. This is spurred on by the needs and opportunities arising out of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

We begin by reviewing the growth of voice-activated personal assistants (VAPAs) and their legal issues in key sectors. These sectors include private homes, banks, healthcare, and education. In addition, we then summarize policy guidelines for VAPA development. We classify these guidelines into five major categories, each with specific traits.

Next, we assign a relative importance weight to each trait and category. We recommend creating a rating system based on legal, ethical, functional, and social content guidelines. We also propose forming an agency to manage this system. This agency would inform consumers about the risks of adopting specific VAPAs. Our article presents a framework to evaluate the social, ethical, and legal content of intelligent cognitive assistants (ICAs). Further, we examine the increasing use of ICAs in homes, healthcare, banking, and education. We emphasize the need for stronger consumer protection. Next, we assign weights to policy categories and recommend a rating system. We urge developers to prioritize ethical and legal standards.

Read more ….

Appropriation of artisans’ intellectual property: Piracy disguised as giving back?

Creative Industries

Creative industries are industries focused on the creation, exploitation and appropriation of artisans’ intellectual property, including art, fashion design, and related creative services, such as advertisement and sales. During a trip to Burkina Faso in West Africa, Keri Fosse was taught by an African woman how to wrap African artisan fashion accessory crafts newborns with fabric in a manner that creates a strong bond and frees the mother’s hands for other tasks.

Craft culture

Burkina Faso has a craft culture and is known for its woven cotton and the textile art of Bogolan. Bogolan is a technique original to and involves the tradition of dyeing threads with bright colors, washing it skillfully, using coated and shiny Bazin, and using indigo from Benin. After this trip, Fosse and her husband developed a shirt which copies the African lady’s, Lalabu’s, technique.

They developed a product called Soothe Shirt; and created a business called Lalabu. Lalabu is also the name of the African woman that the Fosses met. They have been successful. The Fosses have stated that they got the idea from Lalabu, but redesigned it for production. The couple advertises that they “giving back” by giving 2% percent of each purchase to help female African entrepreneurs through microfinancing.

Intellectual property piracy

The Fosses claim that when African women repay their micro-loans, the women reinvest the money into the loan fund. This study argues that such practices do not reflect socially responsible entrepreneurship. Instead, they represent intellectual property piracy. The following sections discuss the relevant legal and theoretical foundations, along with current best practices. However, these practices often lack shared ownership. While Americans may commonly appropriate artisans’ intellectual property within the U.S., their appropriation of cultural crafts from other countries demands closer scrutiny and accountability.

Introduction

gdpr

The newly implemented European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires mandatory breach notifications. The GDPR is a revision of a 1995 directive. To our disappointment, the US has no such federal law. Thus, this means companies must satisfy multiple US laws and that makes it more challenging to comply. This is a GDPR comparative analysis to the US data breach notifications. This study is a comparison of the GDPR with the statutes of the 50 US states. It highlights the challenges companies face. It reveals the types of decisions companies must make to be in compliance with these statutes.

Findings

Notably, this GDPR comparative analysis reveals that the requirements of various laws, statutes, or regulations vary by state, country, and audience. Companies must decide if they will base compliance on the most stringent requirements which can be financially prohibitive. Alternatively, they could meet the minimum requirements which could be managerially prohibitive. A comparison of the GDPR and the statutes related to data breach notifications reveals the types of decisions companies must make. Because the definitions of personal information and data breach vary, a company in one case would be considered to have had a breach. However, in another jurisdiction the company would not. Companies might decide on the behalf of the consumer to notify all their customers.

Further, the time required to notify the consumer or some authority agency varies. A company would likely notify the entities requiring the earliest notification and continue notifications as time permits. Since penalties vary, companies might notify according to those with the costliest penalties first. The contents of data breach notifications are not always specified or consistent. Thus, companies should develop a standard notification provisions for all required entities if the information is available.

Challenges

Briefly, comparative analysis highlights the challenges companies face in trying to comply with multiple regulations. The greatest challenge exists for small businesses. Just knowing the regulations is likely a challenge for an average small business. The GDPR may remain consistent, but the statutes of the 50 US states continue to be amended. In addition, there are the statutes of other countries. More than 100 countries have enacted data protection legislation. Several other countries are in the process of passing such laws with data protection laws (Banisar, 2011).

Further, Banisar notes that data protection laws have been enacted in countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Georgia and Malaysia. The most recent US personal information security breach statutes include new laws in Arizona, South Dakota, and Alabama (Bellamy, 2018). Thus, companies should put into place protections. They need personnel that would help prevent a data breach as per any of these governments’ definitions. Further, this needs to be in addition to a plan to comply with the existing laws. The countries that companies do business in require legal compliance.

High Tech Transportation Corridors

Introduction

high tech transportation corridor in Florida

High tech transportation corridors are great for regional economic development

This research describes why creating high tech transportation corridors (HTTCs) is an important regional economic development strategy. When there is an economic downturn, cities are forced to develop a strategy to revitalize. Increasing the transfer of high technology into the marketplace stimulates the economy (Peltz, 1984). High tech industries are industries that include relatively high percentages of scientific and technical workers. Further, they are also industries that make relatively large expenditures in research and development (Luger, 1984).

“[I]n difficult economic times, political stakeholders in the technology transfer process usually view success in economic impact terms, and often from short-term and parochial perspectives-how many jobs in my state next year?” (Carr, 1994).

Examples include the expansion of the suburban space economy in the 1980s. Actually, these produced new commercial landscapes in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. They are high-tech corridors along limited-access highways (Knox, 1991). Designers used private mixed-use development master plans to create these corridors.

Economic development strategy

Notably, creating HTTCs became a very popular strategy for economic development proponents as a revitalization technique. HTTCs are typically defined as segments along U.S. interstate or state transportation routes. However, they can be located on city streets. Since transportation is the backbone of a city, town, or region, the idea is to create a cluster of high-tech companies along the transportation route. Clusters are critical masses of unusual competitive success. They are comprised of linked industries and interconnected companies, such as government institutions. Clusters “extend downstream to channels and customers and laterally to manufacturers of complementary products and to companies in industries related by skills, technologies, or common inputs” (Porter, 1998).

Summary

In reality, the decision to create a HTTC must be integrated into a community’s overall economic strategy. The planning process should identify the conditions under which specific, specialized strategies. Further, these strategies should lead to high-tech job attraction in order to produce desired benefits (Wiewel, 1984). With respect to HTTCs, the current federal transportation legislation should be amended. Transportation planning officials should become stronger and more active partners in making development decisions. These decisions should integrate resource programs and infrastructure needs that provide for the development of equitable and sustainable HTTCs. Notably, planning for high-tech transportation corridors needs to be more transactional than infrastructural. In a cohesive policy-relevant structure, there must be a stronger nexus between socio-economic and transportation policy considerations. In addition, transportation officials should begin to take an active role. This may ensure that these high-tech developments are sustainable and equitable in socioeconomic terms. Read more here…