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Linking MEP, Universities and SMEsLuis M. ProenzaPresident, The University of Akronfor theNational Academies“Diversity and Achievements: The Role of Manufacturing Extension Partnershipsin the Midwest” ConferenceAkron, Ohio – March 26, 2012

The Innovation EcosystemPolicy Environmente.g. Education, Intellectual PropertyProtection, tyåInnovationRisk yEfficiencyResearchDesignNational Infrastructuree.g. Transportation, Energy,Information, NetworksNo component can afford to bedisconnected from the others.

Universities Are No Longer “Ivory Towers” Key role in 21st Century knowledge economy Serve as “anchor” for clusters of innovation––––––Promote creative capitalGenerate knowledge capitalTrain human capitalBuild social capitalAttract financial capitalPreserve natural capital As convener and developer With a broad product line, common challenges,models and opportunities,YET

Still Barely Linked to Industry5% IndustrySupportFoundations4%Fed Gov12%Universities14%Industry70%Major opportunities existfor businesses/industry topartner with universitiesand gain access to newtalent, cutting-edgetechnologies and openinnovation opportunities.

Innovating on Innovation: Universities & SMEs Talent:- Collaboration with world-class researchers- Access to well-trained graduate studentsat modest cost- Identify high-potential talent for future hires Technology:- Access to cutting-edge research technology- Prototype development- Pilot plant capabilities Partnerships:- Linkage to the regional innovation ecosystem- Open innovation partnerships- Licensing opportunities,YET

CompaniesAlso Not Well-Linked Many don’t know: what they need what to ask who to ask, or even that they need to ask.

The Akron ModelA Robust andBroad-basedPlatform or“Tool Chest”for EconomicDevelopment

An Independent EntityChartered to Benefit UAUARF is a boundary-spanning organizationthat links industry and the University. Assesses public/private resources for mutually beneficialreconfiguration and reallocation. Facilitates tech transfer and start-ups, administersindustry contracts, houses outreach efforts. Provides innovation services to internal and externalresearchers/organizations. Utilizes talents of industry retirees to promote innovationand entrepreneurship. Increases research funding and seed capitalopportunities.

Alternative backgroundIf you need more spaceStandardUniversityModel

National Polymer Innovation CenterWright Center of Innovationin Polymer Engineering1. Multi-laboratory facility- Fabrication processes can be developed,characterized and scaled to production atone site.2. State-of-the-art research and technology3. Large high bay areas:- prototype manufacturing machinery- materials and device fabrication- workforce training

Functional Films for Flexible ElectronicsBlock CopolymersNanoparticlesMaterial SourceRoll-to-Roll Manufacturingwith External FieldsFlexible Displays

National Polymer Innovation CenterWright Center of Innovationin Polymer EngineeringPotential Applications for Wright Center Technologies Medical DevicesBiomedical materialsSensorsDefenseAutomotiveAerospace Battery/fuel cells Consumer andIndustrial Electronics Filtration Construction Materials Space Agency/Industry

National Polymer Innovation CenterAkron Functional Material Center (AFMC)1. Advanced Materials Research2. Class II bioresearch3. Characterization4. High-throughput and combinatorialtesting

National Polymer Innovation CenterAkron Functional Material Center (AFMC)Current AFMC Partners Austen BioInnovationInstitute in Akron* ATRP Solutions* BASF Corp. Coloplast Cook Medical DOW Corning Corp. EXXON Mobil Corp. Kraton Polymers, LLC*Lord CorpLubrizol CorpPolyone CorpSchneller*Terumo CorpUnited TechnologyResearch Center

Timken Open Innovation AgreementThree key phases that enable an endgamePhase I: Creation of TimkenEndowed Chair at UAPhase II: Relocation of TimkenEngineered Surfaces Labs to UATimkenChairTimkenLabs(ResearchandServices)Phase III: Spin out NewCoNewCo(ServingTimken,current andadditionalmarkets)Newtechnologies/markets thatenable NE OhiocompetitivenessNew Technologies/Markets NE OhioCompetitiveness

The Akron ICE ProgramICE - Innovation thru Convergence and Entrepreneurship9-10th year5-8th year4th year- University/facultygets patent- Spins out companyPhD studentgraduates andleavesCompany stands onits ownTypical Path forInnovation/Entrepreneurshipat a UniversityVery few faculty members andstudents get to this pointSpin-outcompany4th year2nd and 3rd year1st yearRecruit talentRetain talentProposed Path forInnovation/Entrepreneurshipat a University usingthe Akron ICE ProgramSignificantly increases the odds forinnovation and entrepreneurship17

The Akron ICE ProgramICE - Innovation thru Convergence and EntrepreneurshipRegional Ecosystem: University Faculty, Hospital Physicians,Investors, Business People, Entrepreneurs, Lawyers, etc.Spin-outcompanyEngineeringPhD students4th yearMedicalResidents/FellowsSciencePhDstudents2nd and 3rd year1st yearRecruit talentStudents go to technicalconferences and businessplan competitionsRetain talentGraduating studentruns the companywithin the nowfamiliar ecosystem

Summary: Benefits to SME Manufacturers Linkage to the regional innovation ecosystem Access to- research professionals – faculty andexperienced master’s/Ph.D. candidates- potential new employees- cutting-edge research, technologies andprocesses Participation in collaborations and innovationopportunities Accelerated pathways from innovation tocommercialization

Silo Busting

Thank youLuis M. Proenza proenza@uakron.edu

Universities Are No Longer "Ivory Towers" Key role in 21st Century knowledge economy Serve as "anchor" for clusters of innovation -Promote creative capital -Generate knowledge capital -Train human capital -Build social capital -Attract financial capital -Preserve natural capital As convener and developer With a broad product line, common challenges,