Partnerships for Innovation Workshop
March 30 - April 1, 2008

Workshop 5: Fostering International Collaborations

Moderators:
Maria Boile and Thomas Skalak

The nation’s global competitiveness depends heavily upon the preparedness of our workforce. 21st century science and engineering is global, and a diverse, globally-engaged, workforce is necessary for our nation to retain its technological edge. University and industry researchers must be able to operate effectively in global teams. International partnerships in PFI are an effective means for catalyzing innovations that might have a global impact and also for providing international experiences to the PFI team including faculty, students, and other researchers. This session will consider how best to establish and sustain international collaborations in PFI projects.

Question 1.

There is some "tension" between the PFI concept of "innovation" that affects a local region primarily and new "international" programs that drive innovation at a broader scale. What are the most important basic principles for establishing and sustaining an international program? Are there things to be learned from sustainable local programs that can transfer to international programs?

Question 2.

Can we distinguish between situations or characteristics in which a rapid global network growth makes sense versus a local U.S. program?

Question 3.

What are the scientific and technological areas that could most positively improve global human freedom and dignity? Can you provide specific examples? For example, how a PFI project could meaningfully impact sustainable energy generation in ways not possible through more traditional projects/programs?

Question 4.

Would you see value in developing an international component to your PFI program? If so, what are the top three areas you would like to develop?

Question 5.

In an ideal world, what kind of environment (institutional, organizational, governmental, cultural) is necessary to ensure that academic and industry researchers can operate effectively in global teams? Is that the same kind of environment for ensuring international experiences for the PFI teams, faculty, students, and other researchers?

Question 6.

Are there good models out there of institutions or organizations that have a sustained history of supporting innovative projects that become adopted on a global basis? If so, what are some of the characteristics of these entities, and how do you adapt them to the purposes of developing international collaborations in PFI projects?