The document discusses innovation at universities and outlines some key points. It aims to provide a realistic view of what is possible in university innovation and where to focus attention. The document notes that while research is part of universities' core mission, theoretical research is not always good at commercializing ideas. It also discusses using academic training and hands-on learning to challenge students to solve real-world problems, as well as the advantages and challenges of collaboration between universities and other organizations to foster innovation.

1. INNOVATION
Points for consideration

2. Outcomes of Breakout
Hope to accomplish a several outcomes:
1. Continue progress from the morning discussions
2. Better understand innovation at university level
3. Better understand the limitations
Ultimate Goal
Leave with a realistic view of what is possible and
what where to focus attention

3. WHERE DOES INNOVATION
COME FROM?

4. Research
Advantages
• Part of the core mission of most of our universities
• Great thinkers and innovators who have ability to devote time
• Enthusiastic labor force of RAs, grad students, post-docs
• Often have access to government funds
Challenges
• Not good at getting new ideas "off the lab bench” (not trained to
bring solutions to market)
• Theoretical research; rewards and incentives are towards
academic papers, not usable solutions
• Completely different skill set to be an entrepreneur
• Shrinking funding base from many governments

5. Academic training
Advantages
• New ideas can be incorporated into coursework to challenge
students to think creatively in analytic sand problem solving
• Hands-on experiential learning becoming more popular
• Research for student projects can complement needs of
practitioners in the field
• Can use the campus to testing new approaches, providing
insight, feedback and practical field testing
Challenges
• Takes more time to prepare students to think creatively and
analytically to solve real world problems
• Physical limitations to using the campus as a learning lab

6. Collaboration
Advantages
• An area of growing importance for universities – especially
local and regional partnerships
• Sharing operational strategies can provide new insights
• More likely to take some risks when know there is a broader
support network with professional expertise and advice
• Sum is greater than the whole
Challenges
• Still have a "first mover" risk – the first to try a new technology
is the one that takes the majority of risk for failure.
• Collaborative may wait for someone else to start.
• Coordination is time consuming, and often considered outside
scope of regular duties.