Engaging with Corporations
The University of Minnesota today unveiled the web site of its new Academic and Corporate Relations Center (ACRC). The ACRC, which was announced this summer and was the subject of an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, hopes to serve as a "front door" to industries and other organizations.
As articulated on its web site, "The ACRC has a mission to enhance the ability of the world-wide business community to connect and collaborate with the University of Minnesota’s rich lodes of expertise, technology, and talent." It lists five major resources for business:
RECRUITING STUDENTS AND GRADUATES: The University of Minnesota brings employers and students together to satisfy the needs of both.CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: Take advantage of the high-quality, comprehensive, and convenient continuing education opportunities available at the University of Minnesota.
FINDING FACULTY AND STAFF EXPERTISE: Connect with our faculty, staff, and students to locate experts, research partners, and mentors and to learn more about their research, creativity, and scholarly works.
UTILIZING OUR RESOURCES: Connect with the breadth and depth of University resources, facilities, and programs to improve your business and make it stronger.
SPONSORING AND LICENSING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION: Find opportunities to sponsor research with our world renowned faculty and license available technologies. Sponsoring research and transferring the results from the University to the marketplace benefits the public and private sector.
Engagement with the private sector and tech transfer (with graduates being our most important "product") is a legitimate and important part of the public engagement mission of universities. The ACRC is an ambitious public engagement effort that will benefit both university and community if it succeeds.