ABSTRACT:
In August 2009, The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) was awarded a National Science Foundation ‘Partnerships for Innovation’ (NSF PFI) grant to enable the University to develop better working relationships with western Massachusetts small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program will focus on translation of new technologies in the Departments of Polymer Science & Engineering and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering to local SMEs in the precision manufacturing sector. UMass will work with local companies in workforce development through educational programs in polymeric materials and engineering design, and provide access to University resources. An outcome of the program will be to enable regional precision manufacturing companies to grow by creating new products, new jobs and opening new markets by leveraging the research and education at UMass. This program will allow us to better understand the dynamics between a large research university and SMEs as they translate new technologies to new business.
|
