05.09.09
Industry, Academia and Government Collaboration…
Industry, Academia and Government Collaboration…
Does Industry, Academia and Government Collaboration sound like a good idea, especially as it relates to service? It does to me! I can now say that I have seen it in action and working. Check out the center for intelligent maintenance systems at: http://www.imscenter.net/ . I was recently invited to attend one of their industry advisory board meetings to see the results of their research activities that have been going on for over 9 years!
The IMS center is a NSF (National Science Foundation ) sponsored research center. It is an I/U CRC type grant. This means industry / university cooperative research center. These centers are formed in partnership with multiple Universities along with the industrial (company ) sponsors. The idea with multiple universities is to help get cross domain research working together to help solve problems posed by the industry partners. Obviously, the third leg of these support systems is the government who helps to pay some of the costs for running the center because they believe the research and results will be important to the interests of the government. Similar “institutes” are formed in other countries.
For me, getting industry to seek help from academia to drive quantitative, science based research with government sponsorship is a win win win! The IMS Center is a very successful example with University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan and Missouri S&T collaborating with name brand companies to work on specific research areas that will benefit the company sponsors individually and collectively. Patents and other IP can be shared and used to create commercial value. It has been a goal of the SRII to foster service research centers globally. The intent is to make the connections with in the SSME community to advance the education and research for the science of service.
What are the key success factors for a collaborative research center? Well, leadership would be one criteria, someone has to get everyone together and ensure that there are a concrete vision and actionable plans. There is also the art of fund raising. NSF or government institutions cover some administrative costs for the Universities heading this up but do not cover much of the academics time, costs or other expenses. To augment funding industry sponsors are asked to contribute and join the center for some fee. In exchange, the companies are entitled to results that the research can bring, including Intellectual Property rights. More important than just money, is the data and opportunity for academics to research real problems with real data. The sponsoring companies cannot be passive. They must commit to active participation.
Even in a down economy, these centers can be very cost effective. The ROI for this kind of research and development can be very high. So, what are you waiting for? I know that industry and academia both have the needs, the resources and the desire to advance the science of service. Investing now will yield long term results that will put you ahead of the competition.
Take a look at the IMS center. If that research works for you, then join. If not, then reach in the SRII community to find research partners. If you are interested in specific areas and need help getting connected then contact me. Don’t waste the opportunity that we have today.
