The issue that would concern me is more that once these technologies are developed by private companies, the companies will want to recoup the R&D costs by sell

The issue that would concern me is more that once these technologies are developed by private companies, the companies will want to recoup the R&D costs by selling the technology oversees. At that point, the "small reactor" industry will become entrenched enough to have a lobbying arm - who will make sure the license to export include all short term prospects - including ones in less than savory geopolitical issues.