Research News - Spring 2009

VP note: Moving research to market

MSU is actively working to move research results into the commercial sector. This kind of activity is an essential part of our mission. In this issue of Research News, we describe some of the accomplishments in MSU Technologies (MSUT) this year and inaugural activities of the MSU Bioeconomy Institute in Holland . We're very pleased with the momentum that is developing in these programs.

But these aren't the only mechanisms MSU has for moving research results to the community and, in the process, supporting economic development. The Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources helps develop and commercialize high value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and natural resource sectors. It has been linking MSU research to entrepreneurs and established companies since 2003.

Collaborative corporate research is under way with MBI (see Research News, Winter 2009). The Office of Biobased Technologies (OBT) integrates research innovations with the bioeconomy marketplace. An OBT initiative called BioCollaborate links MSU and company researchers to solve problems, test technology, and minimize risks of early commercialization. And MSU is actively involved with regional economic development programs throughout the state.

Some of these steps are small; some are just beginning. But we're confident that with perseverance, research from MSU will routinely find its way to market.

J. Ian Gray

Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies