How Government, Universities, Industry Can Partner to Drive Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Part of UMD's 30 Days of EnTERPreneurship, this April 18 Public Event Features Entrepreneurs, Government & University Leaders

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Innovation and entrepreneurship have captured the attention of the nation and its political leaders. Many say that in this globally competitive world, the future prosperity and the quality of life of U.S. citizens increasingly depend on the benefits derived from the development of valuable new ideas, products and processes. Business, government and university leaders say the knowledge economy of today relies on the translation of knowledge into value through innovative thinking and entrepreneurial action.

Of all organizations in society, research universities possess the greatest assembly of assets necessary for innovation and entrepreneurship. These extend from human capital to knowledge capital to support services and facilities. "However, universities must engagement with industry and government to imbue budding entrepreneurs and innovators with real-world experiences, and to facilitate the translation of ideas, inventions and creations into goods and services of value beyond the university," says University of Maryland Regents Professor C. D. (Dan) Mote, Jr., who is treasurer of the National Academy of Engineering, Glenn L. Martin Institute Professor of Engineering at UMD and a past UMD president.

On April 18 on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, speakers at a National Academy of Engineering (NAE) regional conference will explore this critically needed engagement of universities with industry and government. The symposium is open to the public and media. Its two sessions focus on (1) identifying what works about regional government-university-industry partnerships and what needs to be fixed; and (2) educating the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, including those from backgrounds other than business, science or Engineering.

WHAT:

The National Academy of Engineering and the University of Maryland will hold a major regional forum: Government-University-Industry Partnerships in Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Chaired by NAE treasurer and UMD Regents Professor Dan Mote, the free event will bring together top national innovation and entrepreneurship figures such as UMD alums Kevin Plank and Robert Fischell, U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, National Collegiate Inventers and Innovators Alliance executive director, and the Chancellor of UNC. To see a complete agenda go to: http://www.eng.umd.edu/html/nae/agenda.html

WHEN:

Public Symposium is Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A reception will follow.

WHO:

The many business, government and university speakers at the symposium include: Professor Mote, Chair of the NAE regional conference; Charles Vest, NAE President; Kevin Plank, Founder, Chairman, CEO and President of Under Armour, Inc.; Tom Scholl, general partner, Novak Biddle Venture Partners; Pat Gallagher, Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Robert Fischell, Chairman, Fischell Biomedical; Chairman, Angel Medical Systems; Phil Weilerstein, Exec Director, Nat. Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance; Sudhakar Kesavan, Chairman and CEO, ICF International; Alan Will, Moderator, President, CEO, Chairman, Founder, EBR Systems, Inc.; Dave Baggett, Dave Baggett, President, Arcode; Tom Miller, Executive Director Entrepreneurship Initiative, NC State University; and Holden Thorp, Chancellor, University of North Carolina.

WHERE:

Prince George's Room, Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION AT UMD
The University of Maryland, ranked as one the nation's top schools for entrepreneurship and innovation education, has had a $25.7 billion impact on the Maryland economy and helped create or retain more than 5,300 jobs. Through programs across campus, UMD educates the next generation of entrepreneurs, creates successful ventures and connects Maryland companies with university resources to help them succeed.

Highlights include: three experiential entrepreneurship learning programs and 30 entrepreneurship and innovation courses at the pre-college, undergraduate, graduate and executive education levels; a series of mentoring programs; a global entrepreneurship program with a partnership in China; a technology incubator/accelerator startup program with more than 100 graduates including billion dollar companies such as Martek Biosciences and Digene; and an on-campus network of more than 40 active, accredited angel investors and venture capitalist.

ABOUT NAE
Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. Its mission is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshaling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.

The NAE is a member of the National Academies, which includes the NAE, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the National Research Council (NRC) -- which serves as the principal operating arm of the academies.

Media Contact
Lee Tune
Associate Director
Office of Public Affairs
University of Maryland
301-405-4679
ltune@umd.edu

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