Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application through industry engagement
Industry engagement and research translation are essential for applying academic knowledge to practical challenges, especially with the introduction of new technologies like AI and biotechnology. We aim to enhance partnerships with the agricultural industry and alumni to increase research relevance, foster entrepreneurship, and extend the impact through commercialization.
Opportunity
Industry engagement and research translation are crucial aspects of university research that aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge creation and practical application in the real world. Much change is impacting agricultural and natural resource industries, not the least of which is the continued introduction of many new technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Too often, these ag industries are reacting to change rather than effectively leading change. Industry principals want to serve as partners to Penn State in identifying critical opportunities and gaps in existing innovation strategies. Industry leaders want to understand the scientific evidence as well as the cost/benefit analysis associated with new approaches to agriculture. Industry players desire more interaction with graduate students and young researchers on research projects to identify and recruit the next generation of the workforce. While we continue to conduct research critical to the agricultural industry, our efforts are not significantly leveraging the sizeable ag sciences alumni base with industry partners to provide entrepreneurship opportunities for faculty and students. Although Penn State CAS is frequently ranked in the top 10 nationally for its research expenditures, it is ranked far lower on industry funding and commercialization. Penn State's CAS can significantly enhance its partnerships with the ag industry and alumni to increase the relevance of its research and extend the reach of its impact through licensing and commercialization of intellectual property.
Framing Question
What would it look like if the College of Agricultural Sciences strengthened its engagement with industry, built a robust student pipeline for workforce development, and enhanced its capacity for translating research into licensing agreements and/or patentable technologies?
Office for Research and Graduate Education
Address
217 Agricultural Administration BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802-2600
- Email agresearch@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-3136
Office for Research and Graduate Education
Address
217 Agricultural Administration BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802-2600
- Email agresearch@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-3136