The document, authored by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) in February 2001, outlines several challenges universities encounter as a result of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and related export controls, particularly in the context of government-funded research and international collaboration. Through detailed examples, the handout demonstrates how ITAR regulations hinder university researchers from traveling abroad to assist with collaborative projects, create ambiguity about permissible discussions with foreign partners on government Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and constrain the development and commercialization of inventions by foreign students. Furthermore, the document highlights situations where the nationality of research personnel leads to stop-work orders, even when contracts lack such restrictions, and illustrates how ITAR can preclude expert contributors from accessing or advancing their own work.
Significant funding opportunities are also lost due to the complexities and perceived risks of ITAR compliance, deterring universities from entering internationally sponsored research projects or launching student-built satellites through foreign partners. The document emphasizes the prevalence of misinformation and confusion among both government officials and the scientific community about ITAR’s exemptions for public domain and fundamental research. This leads to unnecessary restrictions, closed meetings, and the diversion of scientists’ and administrators’ time to regulatory compliance efforts rather than productive research activities. Overall, the handout portrays ITAR as a significant barrier to the open, international, and collaborative nature of university research, with broad consequences for innovation, education, and scientific competitiveness.
