APLU's Jim Woodell Discusses State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) Conference

The State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) is an organization serving those involved in technology-based economic development (often called “T-BED”), including universities, state and local economic development organizations, and venture development organizations. The organization’s annual conference was held September 14 – 16 in Chicago, with the theme “Regional Prosperity Through Innovation.” The meeting provided a fantastic opportunity to see old friends and colleagues and to meet new ones.

On September 15, I had the great pleasure of moderating a panel on “New Approaches to Commercialization.” The session featured Rick Huebsch from University of Minnesota, who talked about UMN’s new “Minnesota Create” and “Minnesota Try and Buy” programs which simplify the technology licensing process for industry partners.

We went to Chicago’s 1871 incubator and co-working space for a reception. APLU member University of Illinois has a presence at 1871 and other universities are also engaged, engaging students in startup opportunities.

Also on the panel was Wiley Larsen, who presented ASU’s Furnace Technology Transfer Accelerator, which licenses university technologies to entrepreneurs and helps get their startups going. The UMN and ASU programs are going a long way toward helping to accelerate innovation and simplify what can sometimes be a too-cumbersome process of getting university discoveries to market.

Before leaving Chicago, I had a great lunch at Chicago landmark Harry Caray’s with colleagues from Washington State University, including Assistant Director of Economic Development Alexis Holzer.

AACC, AASCU, AND APLU Announce Post-Collegiate Outcomes Initiative

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), in partnership with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), will collectively develop a strategic framework to guide discussion and the creation of measurement tools for reporting student outcomes after college completion. This Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded initiative will create a framework that will enable colleges and universities, policymakers, and the public to better understand and talk about post-collegiate outcomes in areas such as economic well-being, ongoing personal development, and social and civic engagement. The development of a framework is an important first step toward the creation of metrics and data elements institutions may be able to report on in the future. 

“Most post-collegiate outcome studies have focused solely on areas where data are more readily available, such as economic success metrics related to employment and wages. These outcomes are important, but they are just one part of how we should measure success,” APLU President Peter McPherson said. “This comprehensive framework will also tell us how a college education enhances a person’s capacity to continue learning and increases their involvement within community organizations and charities.”

APLU by the Numbers: $41B

 

 

APLU member institutions are leaders of groundbreaking research in key areas such as the sciences, agriculture and humanities. Learn more about the work of our members at our website.

APLU: By the Numbers--6 Million

APLU represents a diverse number of higher education institutions from all over North America. Together they educate millions of undergraduate and graduate students aiming to be the next scientist, entrepreneur, artist, president or prime minister. Learn more about them here. 

APLU By the Numbers: 235

Did you know APLU's membership is made up of 235 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations? The membership includes a unique blend of institutions, including 205 campuses and 24 university systems of which 75 are U.S. land-grant institutions. There are 23 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) (21 are black land-grant institutions). Six related higher education organizations are also members, including the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), which serves the interests of the nation’s 33 American Indian land-grant colleges. On the international side, APLU has five Mexican and seven Canadian member institutions that complete the 235 total. 

Learn more about APLU members here.