Companies don’t have to bear the
full burden for research and development. Universities across the state are ready, willing and able to help.
“We are eager to partner with companies in the areas of research and technology,” says Gregory Wilson, associate vice president for economic development and strategic partnerships at
Kent State University. “We do extensive outreach to make businesses
aware of these capabilities.”
Smart Business spoke with Wilson
about how companies can take advantage of the many resources offered by
local universities.
What kinds of technology resources are
available through a local university?
At any large, comprehensive research university, many resources are
available for technology companies,
such as research expertise, technology, specialized equipment and business support services. First and foremost, however, are the people — faculty consultants and skilled interns in
cutting-edge technology areas who
become available as permanent employees. These universities can also
conduct a number of sponsored
research projects on various topics,
from science and technology to business and economic research.
Most institutions have some kind of
technology transfer function, which
involves patenting and licensing
inventions to make new products.
Many campuses have business accelerators or incubators that stimulate
the creation and growth of new businesses. Many offer services, equipment and facilities at competitive
costs, providing resources to help
companies become sustainable, growing enterprises that contribute to their
regional economies.
Finally, arrangements to use specialized equipment can be made on a feefor-service basis, and many institutions around northeast Ohio have
Small Business Development Centers
(SBDCs) to assist companies.
What kinds of technical research can a university conduct for a private business?
The universities in northeast Ohio
are extremely diverse, and much of
their technological expertise is aligned with key industry clusters, such
as biosciences, fuel cells, advanced
materials, information technologies
and advanced manufacturing. That
means additional economic momentum in areas where northeast Ohio is
strong or emerging, which, in turn,
provides fuel for growth.
Additionally, the state of Ohio has its
Third Frontier program, which awards
funding to universities that partner
with companies for research and commercialization. For instance, the state
is allocating $21 million for Third
Frontier projects devoted to advanced
energy. Additionally, in recent years,
the state has invested $19 million into
stem cell research and $17 million into
fuel cell research.
Is technology just one research and development tool available at local colleges?
Definitely. When you say ‘technology,’ people often think of computers, systems or, perhaps, technologies to
license. But research is done much
more broadly. The scientific areas are
often thought of in this context.
Colleges of engineering are heavily
oriented to manufacturing, materials
and systems, so they undertake research in those areas. Some institutions have colleges of technology,
which are focused on advanced manufacturing and its many applications.
Other aspects that can be beneficial
to businesses and other organizations
are research in economics, psychology
and the social sciences, as well as
studies on the prevention of violence,
employee ownership for companies
that are becoming employee-owned,
and language translation for companies that are contemplating international expansion. Sometimes businesses need that kind of unique expertise.
Are specific fees involved, or are fees determined on a case-by-case basis?
Some of the services are free, particularly small business counseling at the
Small Business Development Centers,
many of which are supported by federal or state funds. Others are fee-for-service, like using equipment, faculty
consulting or customized corporate
training.
Whom should a business contact to ask
about technology-related services?
Because the technology transfer
office works broadly across technical
areas of the university, it is particularly good at connecting businesses with
technical resources, research and
licensing opportunities.
GREGORY WILSON is associate vice president for economic
development and strategic partnerships at Kent State University.
Reach him at (330) 672-0704 or [email protected].
