The use of prize competitions among government agencies has increased 87 percent over the prior year, according to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In a third annual report, OSTP said 87 prize competitions implemented by 25 agencies shows they are becoming a standard tool.The number of prizes increased by over 50 percent compared to 2012 and by nearly six-fold compared to 2011, with 11 prizes having a purse of $100,000 or more in 2013, the report said.
It said the Department of Health and Human Services continued to be a leader in open innovation, offering 28 prizes in fiscal 2013, a 50 percent increase over the prior year (with $1.2 million in prize purses).
OSTP also reports an increased focus on using prizes to identify novel solutions, an emphasis on creating a post-competition path to success for new solutions, more prizes for effective and low-cost software and IT solutions, and new models for engaging the public and building communities during competitions.
Learn more at www.howto.gov/challenges
