Christine Gulbranson, chief innovation officer of University of California, outlines the changes her institution has enacted to support the innovation ecosystem.

After two and a half years in the job, I am still in love with what University of California (UC) entrepreneurs are doing, I am still amazed by the people in UC’s ecosystem, and I am still convinced that we at UC have a long way to go in developing university innovation. I am proud to say that we are leading global university efforts in innovation and are well recognised around the world for changing the concept of university innovation. Redefining university innovation For many, university innovation means technology transfer – taking technology, processes or ideas developed within the university by researchers or faculty and transferring them to industry and the commercial world. Sometimes this takes the form of startups formed by those conducting the research, and other times intellectual property (IP) that is discovered and developed is licensed to existing companies in industry. Most universities have some sort of tech transfer office, tech commercialisation office, patent office or innovation office that serves as a touch point with industry and manages university IP. Funds and investments focus on getting “tech transfer” startups up and running. Thus far, most startups founded by students and alumni have not been considered part of a university’s innovation. UC is redefining what university innovation means, taking a holistic view of startups and the innovation process, no matter where ideas and startups originate, and shifting to an active relationship with industry for university IP. The new approach to university innovation is that of an ecosystem for all university members and one that UC has been implementing for the last couple of years. Internally, we look to serve students, alumni, and faculty and staff. We are asking who is part of the university ecosystem and who is offering and capturing value in the marketplace. Clearly, the answer is not just tech transfer startups. We are also creating a new vision for university innovation – vision is so important when you are developing an ecosystem and infrastructure. You need to know where you are going, why, what your goals are and who you are serving. At UC, we envision a coordinated, cohesive unit for the betterment of the UC system, creating stronger partnerships between University of California and industry. We want industry to look to UC as leaders among universities in industry partnerships and innovative models to support entrepreneurs. We want UC leaders to recognise and reward innovation and entrepreneurial activities from faculty through merit and promotion. We…

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