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Supporting the University’s Strategic Positioning Goals
The Office of the Vice President for Statewide Strategic Development (SSRD) is responsible for strategic leadership in three broad areas: (1) the University's statewide economic development initiatives, as well as strategies for regional, national, and international development programs; (2) the generation of increased financial return on University assets; and 3) select University-wide interdisciplinary academic initiatives. Primary emphases within economic development currently include strategic planning for real estate as a University resource, and in conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Research, commercialization of technology and intellectual property.
SSRD functions under the leadership of Vice President Charles C. Muscoplat.
Two major efforts are under way:
University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education (UMore) Park
Goal: To create a long-term strategic and comprehensive development plan to leverage the University’s statewide real estate holdings, with immediate focus on UMore Park. Ensure that the University’s academic mission is upheld while also seizing opportunities to further finance the mission.
In a report to University President Robert H. Bruininks in September 2005, a committee led by Muscoplat recommended that the University hire a world-class consulting organization with the expertise to create a unique, multi-use, long-range plan for UMore Park. The committee called for timely action for this “once-ever” opportunity to steward the resource, given its location in a rapidly expanding metro area, its size, accessibility and single, public ownership. The committee also recommended that any income generated through UMore Park should be invested in academic priorities that will benefit future generations.
The University engaged Sasaki Associates, Inc., of Watertown, Mass., in February to better inform University decision makers as they determine next steps to a comprehensive plan for the property. Strategic planning for UMore Park, the University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education Park, is a component of the University’s effort to strategically position itself among the top three public research university’s in the world. Recommendations from Sasaki Associates are to be delivered by November 30, 2006.
Muscoplat, on behalf of the UMore Park Steering Committee, willpresent findings and recommendations to the Board of Regents at the November 2006 meeting.
Commercialization of technology and intellectual property, in conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Research
Muscoplat supports a new vision for commercialization of technology via his role as chair of a newly formed “Commitment Committee” for intellectual property.
Mission: The Commitment Committee supports the University of Minnesota’s land grant mission by seeking out research and innovation that can successfully be moved from scientific discovery to market, ultimately providing benefit to faculty, students, citizens, the institution and the economy.
Goals and Objectives: The Commitment Committee support the University’s strategic positioning goals by capturing and maximizing value for the institution. It is the primary tier within the Office of the Vice President for Research that creates the vision for research that can contribute to economic development and quality of life for citizens by promoting innovation and supporting commercialization. It manages the entire University portfolio of potential technologies.
The Commitment Committee is the decision-making venue for technology transfer liaisons and licensing associates who identify promising innovation based on current research and relationships within departments and centers. It is composed of four to six University representatives and two to three private sector experts called upon from a core panel representing diverse areas of research and development. The Commitment Committee is the final authority for review of all disclosed intellectual property.
Economic Development Opportunities
In addition, Muscoplat continues to lead efforts on behalf of President Robert H. Bruininks that support national discussions on the role of the land grant university in economic development. These efforts help to position the University nationally as the trendsetter for engagement (in the public and private sectors) through economic development by conceptualizing land grant and higher education contributions to national economic development, national competitiveness and international collaboration in a knowledge-based global economy. They support the University President in his national leadership roles among NASULGC, AAU and other national organizations.
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