We asked for ideas, and they came. UC Davis’ request for concepts for an “Innovation Hub" to better connect the campus and the business community resulted in 43 submissions by the closing date of March 31.

“We’re extremely gratified by the enthusiasm and willingness to engage that this level of responses suggests,” wrote Karl Mohr, assistant vice chancellor in Administrative and Resource Management, in a note thanking contributors for their proposals.

Mohr and other campus officials are now reviewing the suggestions to determine how to best align them with campus objectives; the campus will provide information later this spring about next steps in the process.

Several of the 43 responses concern real estate developments, while others suggest changes to the way the university handles and licenses intellectual property, Mohr said. There are a number of ideas for creating a “virtual Innovation Hub” to foster links with business and industry. There are also suggestions from campus units for integrating their activities into a hub.

The submissions came from businesses, local governments, nonprofit organizations, UC Davis faculty and individuals, Mohr said.

“The range of responses has provided the campus with a much more comprehensive view of possibilities with respect to technology transfer and generated new thinking about possible linkages,” he said.

The aim of the Innovation Hub is to expand technology transfer from campus labs to the community and make UC Davis an even more potent force for innovation and economic development.

More information, including the complete request for concepts.

Earlier coverage: "Concepts sought for 'Innovation Hub,'" Dateline UC Davis (Feb. 11, 2011)