Universities and EDOs Working together for Economic Development Greg King [email protected] 478.471.5398
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
Why Work with a University?
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 Warshhttp://www.economicprincipals.com/
Traditional“Storehouse”of knowledge
Institutional contextCraft production
University elitist -“above society”
Present“Factory”of knowledge
Institutional contextIndustrial mass production
University is “supplier”of inputs and outputs,technology developer
Evolving“Hub”of knowledge
Institutional contextPost-industrial age,knowledge-driven
University: integratedinstitution in anintelligent region.Promotes indigenousdevelopment, newcapabilities
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.
Evolving University Contexts and Missions
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
www.rockinst.org
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.
Roles in Technology–Based Economic Development (GAP)
Source: Bubba Weir (MTA)
How can we work together?
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
University Resources to Support Economic Development
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.
.
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
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
Entrepreneurship and Services for Start-ups
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 mid-career degree programsBrain draw vs. brain drain (including experienced talent.)
Talent Acquisition and Talent Development
Talent Acquisition and Talent Development
Certificate ProgramsAttractive to companies and individualsEx. Project Management, Lean Enterprise applicationOnline Courses
Enrichment ProgramsAttractive to companies and individualsEx. Project Management, Lean Enterprise application
K-12 Outreach
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 www.ies.ncsu.edu
Reach out to them –
Have them brief ED team on issues with SMEs
Hot topics from annual conferences
Other Outreach Resources
Extension Model (including Ag & Mfg)Regional University or College (focused on local issues and impacts.)Small Business Development CentersTechnical Assistance and Applied Research Community Development Support (Housing Studies, Neighborhood Development)Student Learning projects (students working with companies on real business issues)Facilitation Resources
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
Research Parks/Embedded Labs and Incubators
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
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…
Corporate Liaison/Partnerships
How Others are Working Together.
“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.”
What to do in the Absence of a University or a Research University?
(Kauffman Foundation)
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 Hartfordwww.CT-EGG.org
Chico State Center for Economic Development Business & Industry Assistance Program (BIAP)Concentrated assistance to small businesses incl market research and competitive intelligence. www.csuchico.edu/cedp/
Wyoming Market Research CenterWyoming Business Council in conjunction with University of Wyoming Access to university information as well as the many business and market reportsuwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/wmrc/
Ideal for smaller schools . Not dependent on R&D focus.
Example: North Carolina Research Campus -Kannapolis, NC
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 registeredPrevious year Anchor presentations Year –round activities build and expand university innovation and technology partnerships
Example: Regional TECH Coordination
Regional Allies (GAP)
Technology Development and Transfer
Entrepreneurship Assistance and Training.
Capital Networks
Human Resources
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
Example: University System of Georgia – System Approach
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.
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
VentureLab, GRA Phase I & II, GT Edison Fund, SBIR assistance
ATDC, GRA Phase III, ATDCSeed Capital Fund, Minority Business Enterprise Center,National VC attentionIndustry Services -
(growth, sustainability, process improvement)
Community and InnovationPartners – Innovation to local and state government
Successful companies: - Sponsoring new research- Hiring GT grads- Spinning off new cos.- Angel investment- Charitable giving
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
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)
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?
Greg King CEcD
Strategic Partnerships @ GT
Phone: (478) 471-5398
If there are any additional questions --