1. Craig Nessler (Bill McCutchen)
Structure of Public/Private Programs
Craig Nessler (Bill McCutchen)
March 2010

2. Corporate Motivation
Corporations are seeking strategic opportunities to enhance/optimize their research capabilities in a very challenging economic environment.
Funding for sponsored research with corporate partners provides opportunities to expand R&D programs.
Major national universities (including Texas A&M) are positioning themselves to compete in this environment.
Improving Life through Science and Technology

3. Why Public/Private Engagement
Extends and enhances funding resources
Expands circle of professional contacts
Facilitates exchange of personnel
Enhances IP development
Provides opportunity for student development and placement
Improving Life through Science and Technology

4. The Objectives
Systems oriented research (holistic, team, multiple location) is critical.
Intellectual property development, disclosure, protection, and commercialization is essential to partner with corporations.
Organizations who are responsive, nimble, and visible will prevail.
Improving Life through Science and Technology

5. The Issues
Public (land grant) universities have experienced declining state support for their programs. Now less than 40%!
This means other sources of support are needed to maintain (or grow) programs.
In the future, those sources may include: IP royalties, corporate funds, federal funds, foundation funds.
ie University researchers no longer have the luxury of giving away IP!!
Improving Life through Science and Technology

6. Project Funding Flow Foundations Corporate Federal State Grants
Appropriations
Federal
Grants
University
Intramural
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7. Why IP Protection is Important
Provides protection for scientific research
Demonstrates diligence
Offers an opportunity for royalty flow back to the researcher and program
It is the Law:
FY Appropriations Bill CSHB 1
Article IX, Sec Research Policy.
(a) An agency may not expend any funds appropriated by this Act for research projects of any type until the agency has adopted and filed with the Legislative Budget Board a policy that clearly establishes and protects the property rights of the state with regard to any patentable product, process, or idea that might result from such research.
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8. The Process Cont. Prepare executive summary (5 pages!)
Review executive summaries with corporation and discuss path forward
Prepare full proposal
Negotiate a master agreement
Initiate project with project management coordination
Progress meetings (monthly/quarterly conference calls
RESULTS - - Reports, Disclosures, Commercialization
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9. Thank YOU! ?
Improving Life through Science and Technology