Overview of the LSU System
Collaborations and Initiatives
In recent years, the LSU System actively participated in a number of statewide research collaborations and initiatives, including:
- FIRST Louisiana (Fostering Innovation through Research in Science and Technology) Research Plan: A statewide science & technology plan developed last year by research and academic officers from each system in Louisiana to provide a framework for future strategic investments in research and development based upon existing strengths. The plan helps define potential strategic partnerships among research institutions to build capacity in areas of long-term importance to the state. FIRST LA is a useful guide for both governmental and institutional programmatic planning. FIRST LA ALSO establishes a clear link between ongoing R&D and the state’s “Blue Ocean” economic development strategy and has been endorsed by the Board Of Regents.
- In 2008, the LSU System led an initiative to create a statewide Council of Technology Transfer Officers. Research administrators and technology transfer officers from the research universities in each system were invited to participate in a regular forum related to these complex topics. This group has met multiple times at universities in both the UL and LSU Systems to exchange ideas, learn about complex issues and build a professional network to strengthen the capacity to commercialize innovations in the state.
- Also in 2008, the LSU System, LA Tech, and Tulane jointly paid for the first ever (in the U.S), statewide license to a web portal for information on technology commercialization, Knowledge Express. This novel, multi-site license provides access to tech transfer information to professional staffs at every public and private university in the state. In recent years of tight budgets, the annual license fee has been underwritten by the Louisiana Business Incubator Association (LBIA) to ensure continued access in support of the commercialization of research.
- Representatives of the LSU and UL Systems have been actively engaged in the Louisiana Innovation Council, making shared presentations on research and technology transfers, and leading efforts among subcommittees to identify and improve the research capacities and technology transfers at Louisiana public universities.