A partner for innovation

 

Each year, more and more high-tech companies are discovering first-hand the atmosphere of innovation and collaboration that research parks provide for their research and development processes. To explore the collaborative potential between industry, academia, and government in the U.S. when it comes to R&D, we have invited Dr. Robert Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) to join us as a panelist at the Strategic Investment Summit: USA.

Based at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, CRI aims to create a top-tier technology research community by facilitating the development of intellectual capital through global collaboration with stakeholders from business, academia, and the government.

In preparation for the September event, we recently spoke to Dr. Wilhelm to get a better understanding of how businesses can benefit from academic partnerships. To learn more about what your company could gain from an alliance with a university, register for the Summit and speak to Dr. Wilhelm directly!

 

GSC: Dr. Wilhelm, you are coming up on your 10th anniversary as the Executive Director of the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI). During your time in this role, what are the main benefits for businesses that you have seen as a result of university-industry partnerships?

Dr. Wilhelm: The main benefits are new and innovative products, targeted R&D, access to talent, efficient access to research infrastructure, and leverage on R&D investments.

 

GSC: North Carolina is home to CRI and some of the nation's leading corporate and academic research parks. What are the differences between corporate and academic research parks?

Dr. Wilhelm: Corporate research parks typically offer facilities, services, and amenities that allow a company to operate independently by itself. Academic research parks typically offer more shared facilities and amenities, while encouraging collaborative R&D with multiple academic and corporate partners. 

 

GSC: Why should companies choose to innovate at CRI?

Dr. Wilhelm: Companies choose CRI for rapid and intense exposure and access to innovation, talent, customers, and infrastructure.

 

GSC: Thank you very much for this interview, Dr. Wilhelm.

Further information: Charlotte Research Institute