America’s universities are the nation’s principal source of the basic research that expands the frontiers of knowledge and produces discoveries that enhance national security, strengthen economic competitiveness, and enrich the lives of our citizens. As such, AAU research universities have an important stake in federal policies governing intellectual property in such areas as copyright, patenting, technology transfer, and the use of databases in research. And as major providers of distance education and related programming, universities also have an important interest in federal telecommunications policy. AAU provides policy leadership for its members and the higher education community in these areas.

Search our Key Issues Library
Browse recent items or search for a specific topic or document.
In October 2014, the Association of American Universities (AAU) formed the AAU Technology Transfer Working Group with the task of reaffirming that the primary goal of university technology transfer operations is to advance the public interest.