Updated 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12: With confirmed attendance by Rep. Doris Matsui and Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Erskine of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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By Dateline staff

Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi is hosting a half-day conference, “Reimagining the Future of Innovation: Building Effective Collaborations Among Government, Universities and Industry,” this Friday (Jan. 16), with admission free and open to the public.

Three members of Congress are confirmed as speakers: Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove; John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove (Sacramento County); and Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento. The program also includes Matt Erskine, deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The chancellor’s invitation states, in part: “The question before us is, how to create new procedures, new rules and new institutions that facilitate productive collaborations while retaining the identities of the university, the business firm and the government agency.

“How can the university construct a reciprocal relationship with business firms that increases the permeability of the university-business interface and fosters collaborations that strengthen both types of organizations?”

Besides the chancellor, other academic speakers from UC Davis will include Andrew Hargadon, who holds the Charles J. Soderquist Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Graduate School of Management; Fred Block, research professor of sociology; and Steve Currall, former dean of the Graduate School of Management.  

As a unique feature of the conference, participants will work directly with legislative leaders, academic authorities and industry insiders to develop tangible proposals that address the challenges and needs for the future of innovation.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Conference Center. A reception will follow.

More information is available online. Or, contact Gina Banks of Government and Community Relations, by phone, (530) 752-9795, or email.