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Tip Sheet Volume 1:12
Areas of Research Most Commonly
Funded
by Industry
Industry frequently partners with
Iowa State University on research projects. When an ISU faculty/staff
member approaches or is approached by industry to form a collaborative
agreement, it is useful to have a sense of how industry can use
the technology. Industry is interested most often in applied
research that has potential for direct impact on its business,
and less often in fundamental research areas.
Enabling Technologies
Enabling technologies make
it possible, practical, or easier for industry to create and
deliver products. For life science companies, transformation
is often cited as an enabling technology, a tool that made it
possible for scientists to create recombinant organisms.
In the area of computer science, Java is an example of a programming
language that is easier to use and more flexible than
previously existing languages.
Industry often looks to public institutions
for the ideas and fundamental research surrounding new and existing
enabling technologies. Industry is involved most often at the
technology transfer stage because development of these technologies
is often high risk and sometimes hard to justify when compared
to shorter-term company product goals. However, if approached
by the university, a company may be a willing partner.
Problem Solving
Universities also are seen
by industry as a problem-solving resource. Many collaborative
efforts are initiated by industry for a specific purpose-a step
in a process that is not working, is not efficient, or is affecting
the quality of the product. Centers at ISU such as CIRAS, CATD,
CNDE, and many others actively work to pair industry with ISU
faculty and staff to address problem-solving issues.
Most frequently, this type of project
is initiated by a company unless it is common to the entire industry.
This contact comes either through a center or by personal/professional
relationships established by faculty members with industry personnel.
Value-Added Technologies
Value-added technologies are
anything that can be added to an existing product that allows
industry to charge more for that product. Examples include efforts
to produce pharmaceuticals in grain seeds or cow's milk, food
products with increased nutritional value, or tires that do not
deflate when punctured.
Industry welcomes being approached
by universities with ideas to sponsor value-added research, looks
for value-added technology transfer opportunities from universities,
and will conduct value-added research within the company.
For questions about this
tip sheet or assistance in identifying and/or approaching industrial
partners, please contact:
Lisa Lorenzen
Biotechnology Industrial Liaison
1210 Molecular Biology Building
Phone: (515) 294-0926
Email: llorenze@iastate.edu
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