Contact: Jim Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University is a charter member of the National Academy of Inventors.
With headquarters at the University of South Florida, the non-profit organization was created in 2010 to recognize researchers who convert their findings into inventions that benefit society. It works to help raise the profiles of university and research institute technologies and academic innovations.
Since 2000, Mississippi State has produced more than 64 patents and more than 22 spin-off companies from university-led research.
That is why NAI's mission is a natural fit for the land-grant institution's "entrepreneurial ecosystem," according to Gerald Nelson, director of the MSU Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.
"We have taken purposeful steps to make innovation and entrepreneurship priorities," Nelson said. "We have been building that culture with students, faculty and staff for a number of years, and we have committed resources to nurture entrepreneurs on campus and connect with private sector partners."
A recent National Research Council study found advances in science and engineering to be primary drivers of future economic growth and job creation. MSU and other major research institutions already are contributing to the coming wave of innovation-based economic expansion via education, research and outreach, Nelson observed.
David Shaw, MSU vice president for research and economic development, said the institution's central economic development mission is to strengthen collaborations with economic development organizations and businesses to create high-wage jobs.
The scope of this work includes assisting existing businesses, recruiting technology-oriented companies and encouraging spin-off companies from the university, he added. For additional information, visit www.oett.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State is online at www.msstate.edu