Assessment of industry participation in U.S. Department of Energy user facilities and proposed marketing efforts to increase engagement with the fusion energy industry
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science operates a fleet of User Facilities that provide unique research capabilities to all interested parties. These User Facilities provide for participation by commercial entities, i.e., industry, through multiple mechanisms. In some instances, industry participants can significantly reduce their capital costs by utilizing resources and capabilities of User Facilities. A study of publicly available User Facility data shows that industrial participation is generally low. A detailed case study focused on the area of fusion energy development finds that industry participation is particularly low. Feedback from the fusion energy industry is collected through interviews and professional engagements, as well as a survey that measures the level of awareness of industry researchers with User Facilities. The fusion energy industry case suggests a series of adjustments to User Facility operation that would accelerate the commercialization of related technologies. These specific fusion energy industry needs, and a set of general communications adjustments applicable to all User Facilities, are proposed as ways to improve industry participation in User Facilities, thereby increasing the national benefit derived from publicly-supported research and development.
