Universities and EDOs

Transcription

1 Universities and EDOs Working together for Economic Development Greg King

2 Agenda Why Work with A University? Describe the Evolving University Context and Missions Roles of Tech-led Economic Development How can We Work Together? Examples of University Resources for Economic Development. How Some Others Are Working Together. Challenges and Barriers to Working Together Myths, Perceptions and Realities Suggested Next Steps

3 Why Work with a University?

4 Why Work with a University? Take a look at any map. The places with universities are the ones that have remained on top or renewed themselves around the world. That knowledge is a powerful factor of production that requires no more subtle proof than that.. David Warsh

5 Evolving University Contexts and Missions Traditional Storehouse of knowledge Present Factory of knowledge Evolving Hub of knowledge Institutional context Craft production University elitist - above society Institutional context Industrial mass production University is supplier of inputs and outputs, technology developer Institutional context Post-industrial age, knowledge-driven University: integrated institution in an intelligent region. Promotes indigenous development, new capabilities Adapted from: Shapira and Youtie, Building an Innovation Hub: A Case Study of the Transformation of University Roles in Regional Technological and Economic Development, 2005.

6 Evolving University Contexts and Missions Leveraging strength in knowledge creation to produce economic benefits.. Higher education is advancing innovation new technologies, new processes, new products, new ideas Deploying strengths in knowledge transfer to help companies prosper and grow worker training and executive education, management consulting, start-up services and more Universities are playing a bigger role in community revitalization Universities contribute through their traditional role: creating an educated population

7 Roles in Technology Based Economic Development (GAP) Government: technology, capital, human resources, essential structures Academia: technology, entrepreneurs, human resources, business assistance, equipment/facilities Private: technology, entrepreneurship, capital, human resources, markets Intermediaries close the gaps and develop environment for partnering. Source: Bubba Weir (MTA)

8 How can we work together?

9 University Resources to Support Economic Development Research and Innovation Technology Transfer and Commercialization Entrepreneurship Education and Training Capital SBIR, Seed and Venture Funds Talent Acquisition and Development Business and Industry Outreach Strategy Development and Analysis Equipment and Facilities Access Research Parks/Incubators

10 Universities, Research and Innovation Real, productive innovation goes from start to finish.. Every one of those things is being done today at universities. Research Universities can be a magnet for location/expansion decisions of technology-based companies. Research Universities provide access to knowledge workforce. University communities generally have amenities and a good quality of life.

11 What is Technology Transfer? Definition: Process of moving intellectual property from one research institution (usually a federal laboratory or a university) to another organization (usually a business) for development into new products and improved manufacturing processes Fundamental (basic) research is primarily performed in universities and federal labs Technology-based economic development & economic competitiveness depend on close linkages between: Basic and applied research Academia and industry.

12 Entrepreneurship and Services for Start-ups Training/Education/Professional Development Current & New Entrepreneurs SBDC and Entrepreneur Service Providers (Mentoring and Coaching) Business Plan and other Competitions Federal Programs SBIR/STTR/Partnership for Innovation Advanced Technology Program (ATP) EDA, Energy, DOL, HUD, SBA, USDA State Programs Seed and Venture Funds

13 Talent Acquisition and Talent Development Community Colleges deliver customized, company-specific professional education. Universities are a resource for new grad and students (interns etc.) Universities can provide executive-level short courses and midcareer degree programs Brain draw vs. brain drain (including experienced talent.)

14 Talent Acquisition and Talent Development Certificate Programs Attractive to companies and individuals Ex. Project Management, Lean Enterprise application Online Courses Enrichment Programs Attractive to companies and individuals Ex. Project Management, Lean Enterprise application K-12 Outreach

15 Business and Industry Outreach (Manufacturing Extension) National Network many university based or collaborative partnerships with education. Technical and industry experience Serve in areas of Enterprise Mgmt, Process Improvement, Innovation Services A variety of workshops and educational programs. Ex. NCSU IES Reach out to them Have them brief ED team on issues with SMEs Hot topics from annual conferences

16 Other Outreach Resources Extension Model (including Ag & Mfg) Regional University or College (focused on local issues and impacts.) Small Business Development Centers Technical Assistance and Applied Research Community Development Support (Housing Studies, Neighborhood Development) Student Learning projects (students working with companies on real business issues) Facilitation Resources

17 Research Parks/Embedded Labs and Incubators Proximity to knowledge workers and cutting-edge university research institutions. Access to university labs and equipment. Adjacent technology companies thrive on social network and quality of life. Encourages the growth of new companies Translates research and new technology Drives technology-led economic development

18 Types of University & Corporate Engagement Research and development partnerships Membership in centers or institutes that focus on a key technology or application area. Connecting to start-up companies Licensing technologies from the university Access to technical expertise and assistance Access to Equipment and Facilities Participating in campus innovation competitions Participating in Senior design or capstone projects Recruiting new graduates and alumni Internships, Co-ops

19 Corporate Liaison/Partnerships Aggressively market the research institutions resources and technologies Proactively seek out partner companies Work to increase research institutions understanding of business needs Maintain close ties to colleges and their faculty It s important to know how this group is structured research model, philanthropy model, blended etc

20 How Others are Working Together.

21 What to do in the Absence of a University or a Research University? Having a strong locally based research institution is not a necessary condition. The emergence and rise of Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks in Seattle, for example, had little to do with the University of Washington. (Kauffman Foundation)

22 Example: Economic Gardening Programs Connecticut Economic Gardening Group (CT-EGG) Public/Private/Academic Partnership. Work w/faculty from Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford Chico State Center for Economic Development Business & Industry Assistance Program (BIAP) Concentrated assistance to small businesses incl market research and competitive intelligence. Wyoming Market Research Center Wyoming Business Council in conjunction with University of Wyoming Access to university information as well as the many business and market reports uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/wmrc/ Ideal for smaller schools. Not dependent on R&D focus.

23 Example: North Carolina Research Campus - Kannapolis, NC

24 Example: Building Innovation Networks SC Universities, Large companies, Venture groups. Elevator pitches by entrepreneurial companies to investors, Presentations by Anchor organizations of innovation priorities, Keynote (s) The Innovation Hall with exhibits by participants. Online profiles of people registered Previous year Anchor presentations Year round activities build and expand university innovation and technology partnerships

25 Example: Regional TECH Coordination Regional Allies (GAP) Technology Development and Transfer Entrepreneurship Assistance and Training. Capital Networks Human Resources

26 Example: University System of Georgia System Approach The University System of Georgia (USG) Office of Economic Development provides a direct connection for companies for: Talent Acquisition Talent Development Education Incentives & Cost Savings R&D Expertise Collaborations

27 Example: Georgia Tech s Enterprise Innovation Institute Help entrepreneurs launch and build successful companies. Commercialize technology from Georgia Tech research labs. Improve the competitiveness of established companies. Help local and state governments adopt innovative practices. Assist economic developers with innovative approaches. Serve as a bridge to Georgia Tech resources.

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29 GT & EI2: An Economic Development Ecosystem for Georgia Reinventing E/D with new initiatives & creating new partnerships Emphasis on interdisciplinary research, new research centers, Research awards Successful companies: - Sponsoring new research - Hiring GT grads - Spinning off new cos. - Angel investment - Charitable giving VentureLab, GRA Phase I & II, GT Edison Fund, SBIR assistance Community and Innovation Partners Innovation to local and state government Industry Services - (growth, sustainability, process improvement) ATDC, GRA Phase III, ATDCSeed Capital Fund, Minority Business Enterprise Center, National VC attention

30 Discussion: Challenges to Working Together Degree of overlap in how both define their clients. Natural mismatch in organizational goals (univ = educate students and perform research. EDO = improve economic health of a community/region). Need for better understanding of demands and requirements that each face. EDO limited view of universities as a partner (i.e. workforce only). Universities typically do not work at the timing or speed of business. Time for both to develop relationships in advance of a project or opportunity to work together. * Comments condensed from informal survey of ED and University staff

31 Discussion: Perceptions, Myths and Realities: Companies should definitely come to universities for new ideas, learning etc. Universities are not great resources for companies that are looking to solve a time critical problem. Universities are not resources for cheap labor (or for some pizza we can get students to invent stuff for us ) Its important to understand what universities can and can t negotiate with respect to research contracts. When taking a company on a visit to a university preview the what you want to share with the company. (communicate expectations with you contact at the university.) University labs don t typically look like Q s lab from James Bond they look like offices, garages etc. (so they aren t always a good visual for your company client)

32 Discussion: Some Things to Consider What higher education resources are in your community? Are there research universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges or satellite campuses? Do they have a culture or the leadership that is experienced in partnering with econ development organizations. What outreach types of programs are represented (SBDC, MEP, SBIR etc)? What are the entrepreneur support resources with your universities? Who are the contacts for these outreach programs? What are their successes? Look for connection points with existing businesses, start-ups, larger corporations. What are some things you can work on of mutual interest?

33 If there are any additional questions -- Greg King CEcD Strategic GT Phone: (478) greg.king@gatech.edu