13 January 2022
Dear OSU Community,
As part of its land grant mission, OSU strives to serve as an engine for widely shared prosperity, improved human welfare, and a healthier planet. One way we do that is by fueling—with our discoveries—the creation of new business and social enterprises, products and services, and investment. Through such endeavors, OSU researchers maximize the impact of their work while preparing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
As part of the implementation of Strategic Plan 4.0, the university has been working to improve programs and policies supporting faculty innovation and entrepreneurship activities. A key element of the system of support is our approach to cultivating and maintaining productive university-industry partnerships. Collaborations between the university and industry help create opportunities for research, faculty entrepreneurship, and student experiential learning and career success.
Today I’m announcing that Vice President for Research Irem Tumer will lead the development of a plan to strengthen OSU’s approach to university-industry engagement. She will oversee a core group to guide the project, assisted by a steering committee comprised of OSU and external business community members. The steering committee will be led by Heather Brust, senior executive director of university industry partnerships in the OSU Foundation.
The planning process envisions analysis of best practices, review of approaches used by peer institutions, refinement of vision, identification of objectives and actions, and development of business and implementation plans. The team will provide multiple opportunities for interested faculty, staff, and stakeholders to contribute their perspectives and input. I hope you will consider participating.
The university will provide updates and highlights from time to time as the project proceeds.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost & Executive Vice President