Identification and Elimination of Barriers to Technology Transfer at HBCUs and MSIs

Technology Transfer can be a revenue stream for institutions of higher learning, but Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) face a variety of commercialization challenges when compared to their non-MSI counterparts. This research project proposes using the NSF I-Corps methodology to identify barriers and challenges in technology transfer experienced by HBCUs, MSIs and non-MSI universities. New training workshops will be developed and tested to overcome these obstacles. Questionnaires and structured interviews with faculty and administrators from HBCUs, MSIs and non-MSI institutions will be used to gain insights into specific transportation technology transfer challenges. A semiquantitative design using a representative sample of HBCUs, MSIs and non-MSIs will be used to identify common themes and challenges associated with transportation technology transfer. A curriculum based on the NSF I-Corps model of experiential learning will be developed, focusing on training academicians in customer discovery to navigate barriers and de-risk technology commercialization. The project aims to empower innovation and technology transfer at universities and seeks to advance transportation infrastructure solutions, foster sustainability, and resilience in the face of challenges. The effectiveness of the curriculum will be piloted and tested in selected institutions, the number of invention disclosures and patents filed as evaluation criteria. Dissemination of research findings and program outcomes through academic publications, conference presentations, and workshops will promote wider adoption and awareness of the successful approach.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $435482
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552344813

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Prairie View A&M University

  Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
  P.O. Box 519
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Performing Organizations:

  Prairie View A&M University

  Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
  P.O. Box 519
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Principal Investigators:

  Lovelady, April

• Start Date: 20230901
• Expected Completion Date: 20250831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
• Source Data: 01-20-PVAMU

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Infrastructure; Minorities; Technology transfer
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Education and Training;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01895254
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Infrastructure Transformation
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552344813
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Oct 4 2023 12:34PM