Building Innovation Ecosystems: Lessons from the US
Overview
Last summer, head of TenU, Ananay Aguilar, chaired a panel of experts at the AUTM Leadership Forum: The Conversation to discuss opportunities and challenges posed by two major U.S. funding programmes: the NSF Regional Innovation Engines and EDA Tech Hubs. These initiatives, launched under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aim to enhance U.S. innovation ecosystems through regional collaboration across academia, industry, and government. The panel, entitled "NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hubs Grants: Tech Innovation Partnerships," featured insights from leaders with hands-on experience in managing these transformative projects.
With the Research England funded shared TTOs now in full swing, the below summary offers lessons for funders, universities and their partners on the successes and challenges of complex collaborative initiatives.
Speakers:
• Andy Maas, Associate Vice President for Research - Innovation & Ecosystem Development at Louisiana State University; and Chair of AUTM
• Ian McClure, Vice President for Innovation; Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Impact, and Executive Director, UK Innovate, University of Kentucky; and past Chair of AUTM
• Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan
• Per Stromhaug, Then Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development, Binghamton University Entrepreneurship & Innovation; and CEO of the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine; now Senior Associate VP for Economic Development, University at Buffalo
• Zane Gernhart, Executive Director, NDSU Research Foundation
The Funding Schemes
EDA Tech Hubs Programme: The Tech Hubs Programme is designed to strengthen U.S. economic and national security by investing in regions with the potential to become globally competitive in future technologies. It fosters collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors to support innovation ecosystems, create jobs, and scale businesses. In the first round, 12 Tech Hubs will receive $504 million, and 19 consortia are receiving strategic development plan grants worth a total of $9.5 million.
NSF Regional Innovation Engines: The NSF Engines programme provides long-term support to regional coalitions of researchers, institutions, and businesses, aiming to foster innovation ecosystems across the U.S. Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over ten years, with a focus on accelerating research, workforce development, and technology transfer in underserved regions.
Takeaways for Universities, Funders and Governments
Securing Institutional Support for Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)
University TTOs face significant pressure to manage complex applications for these programmes. Engaging senior university leadership early is vital to ensure resourcesare allocated, whether by redistributing responsibilities or freeing up key team members. By advocating for internal support, TTOs can ensure they have the operational capacity to lead successful grant applications and project delivery.
Tailoring Approaches to Ecosystem Building
Regional innovation ecosystems vary widely in terms of their strengths, challenges, and development stages. There is therefore no one-size-fits all for how to approach these applications. Some panel members reported working with long-established networks on how to best approach the proposal; others identified an approach and went out to look for partners. Flexibility is key, and funders must allow regions to adopt bespoke approaches that leverage existing assets while addressing local challenges.
Aligning Ecosystem Partners for Collective Success
The success of these programmes depends heavily on the alignment of ecosystem partners, including other universities, businesses, the third sector and local and state governments. The panel stressed the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where partners share common goals and support each other’s efforts, even in scenarios where different partners are submitting proposals. Early, transparent discussions between partners can help ensure that they are prepared for all outcomes, thus fostering long-term collaboration.
Leveraging Expertise from Large Universities
While large universities may not always be eligible to apply directly for these grants, they can still contribute significantly to regional innovation ecosystems by sharing expertise, resources, and research capabilities. Governments and funders should actively engage these institutions as collaborators, enabling them to support smaller, regional actors in maximising the impact of their projects.
Managing the Challenges of Increased Funding
The unprecedented volume of funding opportunities presents resource challenges also for funders. Government needs to be mindful in its requirements for speed and data collection and support funders in overcoming resource challenges. This will help funders give applicants the support needed to navigate the demanding application processes and project implementation. Simplifying grant applications can help both funders and applicants in managing the increased workload.
Final Thoughts
As the US accelerates its investment in innovation through the NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hubs programmes and the UK ramps up its efforts to drive economic growth through innovation, collaboration between funders, governments, and regional stakeholders will be critical to drive sustainable, inclusive growth and create resilient innovation ecosystems across both nations.
