By Donna Hatch

The economy has undergone a drastic, and in some cases, devastating transformation. Inflation and unemployment, not to mention the pandemic, changed the workforce. Some people took new risks to start up a company. Yet current policies and laws continue to challenge small business owners. This is especially true for people of color who face adversity such as bias, racism, dismissiveness and being held to a different standard than other ethnic groups. Small business owners need a champion.

The Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) at Penn State rose to the challenge. The team recently launched the EntraEquity program, which identifies federal advocates of small businesses who are well-positioned in legislative committees to act. They are forming partnerships between high-impact legislative members and researchers in order to use scientific data to create policies that effectively support all entrepreneurs — regardless of race, gender or geography.

“There is a real need to bring more research into our economic development policies,” said Taylor Scott, assistant research professor at the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center and co-director of the RPC. “If our country is going to invest in policies, we have a responsibility to ensure those policies have a positive impact.”

The RPC conducts needs assessments with legislators about their most pressing current policy goals and any barriers to action. With those needs in mind, the team finds or conducts research that will aid legislators with their greatest areas of concern. This bridges the gap between science and informed entrepreneurship policy.

Scott emphasized that she and her team are non-political and non-partisan.

“We don’t lobby. We support policymakers’ concerns and goals, and we provide data to help them know how to apply the evidence.”

The RPC has received encouraging feedback from participants about their experiences in this unique process.

“RPC provided congressional staff with access to a wide variety of researchers. With the many critical issues facing America, it is more important than ever for policy makers to look for solutions outside of Washington. I appreciated the opportunity to interact and use these researchers as resources to better do my job.”

– Legislative assistant, U.S. Senate (R)

“It was not lobbyists asking us for something but really us asking them for what we needed and them providing it back, so it was a really helpful relationship.”

– Counsel, U.S. Senate (D)

“This project is exciting because this is an area of policy and research where we can make a huge difference in people’s lives,” Scott said. “Supporting entrepreneurs helps create positive economic change in communities and the nation.”

The EntraEquity program is made possible through funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

How to Get Involved

The Research-to-Policy Collaboration seeks researchers interested in strengthening the use of entrepreneurial research by creating meaningful, action-oriented collaborations with policymakers. Help make a difference by becoming a participating researcher.

Legislative offices, here are benefits to talking to researchers about your needs and how the RPC can help.

About the Research-to-Policy Collaboration

The Research-to-Policy Collaboration is an evidence-based, theory-driven, non-partisan, and replicable model for bridging research and policy by building partnerships between research-oriented professionals and policymakers.

For more information, contact Taylor Scott.