UA's partners in research get space to think

BYLINE: Paula Schleis, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Aug. 25--By some definitions, "open innovation" is an attitude, the shattering of traditional boundaries between universities, industry and investors in the desire to stimulate economic development for the benefit of all.

But now at the University of Akron a vocal advocate of that philosophy open innovation is also a physical place.

The University of Akron Research Foundation has created the Akron Innovation Campus at 411 and 441 Wolf Ledges Parkway.

"This will fill a long-standing need for collaborative space close to our main campus for university spinoff technology companies, industry research partners and other innovation enterprises," said Wayne Watkins, the university's associate vice president for research.

Please see UA, D8

UA is also working on a number of "spin-in" ventures technologies that originate at companies but can benefit from the help of a research university.

The research foundation was established in 2001 to work at eliminating barriers to such partnerships. The not-for-profit organization has created 16 companies.

In July, it hosted its first Open Innovation Conference, engaging Northeast Ohio in a discussion of what collaborative opportunities exist.

The new innovation campus will house a diverse range of health-care, financial, legal and traditional enterprises that will serve the university's students, faculty and neighbors in Greater Akron.

It will be home to University Innovation Ventures, which works with technology-based companies to commercialize new products.

Also moving in is the ARCHAngel network, a regional forum that introduces investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities in the area.

The real-estate services firm CB Richard Ellis will provide leasing and property management services. Interested parties should contact the firm at 330-253-1702 or UA's Research Foundation at 330-972-7840.

Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com

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