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Posted on Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 5:50 a.m.

University of Michigan, Michigan State, Wayne State all reaching out to industry

By Daryl Weinert

I guess it takes a while to get the word out. That’s what I was thinking as I reviewed the latest annual “Technology Climate Survey” conducted by the Center for Innovation Research at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Tim Davis and his team at “iLabs” have been compiling the survey since 2008 to evaluate the overall climate for technology businesses in the state of Michigan. The survey polls executives of Michigan high-tech firms about the general business climate in Michigan.

One new question for the 2010 survey asked the high-tech community about “access to Michigan’s research universities.” Fifty-seven percent responded that they lacked such access. To this 57 percent I would like to introduce you to three offices that have been established at Michigan’s largest research universities: The Business Engagement Center at the University of Michigan (established in 2007), MSU Business Connect at Michigan State University (established in 2009), and The Front Door at Wayne State University (established in 2010).

Through these offices companies can identify and access university resources, including: research discoveries, new technology, high-tech facilities and labs available for company use, student and alumni talent, faculty available for consulting, continuing education programs, library information sources and student project opportunities.

Each of these offices is designed to understand the vast capabilities of their institutions and to quickly provide answers to industrial clients. The three offices also network with various economic development and business service agencies throughout the state. If the universities can’t help, hopefully we can point a company to someone who can.

Daryl Weinert is the Executive Director of the University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center. He can be reached at weinert@umich.edu.