The Self-Reporting Problem

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/20/us/ac-alleged-science-fraud-investigation/

Regardless of how the law of university technology commercialization is structured (Bayh-Dole or a professor-ownership model), sufficient mechanisms must be put in place to prevent the misappropriation of federal grant money.  Because federal agencies rely heavily on self-reporting by universities, such a system opens the door to abuse.  Self-reporting also creates difficulties in enforcing Bayh-Dole’s provisions.  The above article is a recent instance of misappropriation by a university employee costing millions of taxpayers’ dollars.

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