October 2017
The University of Idaho has long had economic development woven into the strands of our land-grant DNA. Our teaching, research and outreach excellence helps Idaho grow and thrive. The quality of life and the economic vitality of our state benefit from our research advancements, applications of technology and partnerships with the private sector. Because our research enterprise is central to that mission, we've restructured our Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) over the past year to build on strengths and take advantage of opportunities.
As part of this restructuring, ORED launched our new Technology, Innovation and Economic Development unit, or "TIED," which includes both the Office of Economic Development and the Office of Technology Transfer. In her first six months on the job, Executive Director for Economic Development Jana Jones has met with over 45 business and industry leaders and economic development groups to strengthen U of I's relationships across Idaho. Since joining our Office of Technology Transfer last fall, Director Jeremy Tamsen has streamlined the U of I invention disclosure, assessment and licensing processes, making it easier for businesses to draw on our research expertise.
Last week in Washington, D.C., I attended a Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR), a meeting on "The Role of State Governments in Economic Development and R&D Competitiveness." Here I met with national leaders from these different sectors to share ideas, insights and best practices. That trip followed my spring and summer tours of Idaho that focused on building connections with many state and regional industry and governmental partners.
It's exciting to see the current returns and future possibilities of collaboration. I'm proud of the work of our new offices and team members. Their hard work positions U of I to develop technologies that are responsive to the needs of today's industry, and to put that technology to work for economic growth. The results honor and enhance our land-grant mission.
Go Vandals!
Janet E. Nelson
Vice President
Research and Economic Development
