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Research Alliance of Missouri
Mission
The mission of the Research Alliance of Missouri (RAM) is to improve the well-being of Missourians through increased research productivity and technology innovation within Missouri universities; to promote economic development through increased collaborative efforts between the academic and business sectors; and to provide greater access of Missouri businesses to university-derived technologies.
Overview
Established in 1994, the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is a private not-for-profit corporation. Pursuant to Sections 348.251 to 348.266 and subject to the provisions of Chapter 355 of the RsMO, the MTC charter calls for building a “research alliance which shall advance technology development.”[1]
The Research Alliance was formed on January 15, 2003 after a call by the Governor for a “new alliance between business and universities…. to coordinate research and provide more access to technology for Missouri businesses.”[2] At the request of the Governor, the Missouri Department of Economic Development convened the senior research officers in Missouri higher education institutions with active research and development programs. In order to define critical issues related to the evolution of a knowledge-based economy for Missouri, the RAM identified resources at its disposal to:
Produce new knowledge through research;
Facilitate technology transfer from newly created knowledge into commercialized products in order to improve the standard of living of Missourians;
Enhance Federal research funding through collaborative agreements among RAM members; and
Provide basic and advanced education and training for the workforce needs of Missouri businesses.
The RAM is uniquely qualified to address research and technology transfer through the following steps:
• Research – By facilitating cutting edge research, by fostering collaborative research initiatives in universities throughout the state, building a stronger university and non-profit research infrastructure, and by fostering collaborative research and development projects between universities and Missouri businesses;
• Technology Transfer – By streamlining the process of technology transfer from inventions in university laboratories to commercial products, which will contribute to the development of the knowledge based economy and improved conditions for the labor market; and
• Addressing Industry Needs – By assisting Missouri businesses in addressing technological problems through collaborative projects with universities.
Membership
The RAM will initially consist of the universities invited to become charter members of the alliance. The chief research officers and technology transfer officers of these universities will serve as representatives to RAM. Charter members of RAM that were initially invited to serve by the Governor in 2003 are:
Central Missouri State University
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Northwest Missouri State University
University of Missouri-Rolla
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Saint Louis University
University of Missouri System
Southwest Missouri State University
Truman State University
Southeast Missouri State University
Washington University
Participation in RAM will expand to include other universities and non-profit organizations with a demonstrated capability to enhance the economic development of Missouri through research and development. Among criteria for selection of future RAM participants is an annual expenditure of at least $10 million for research and development. The Missouri Technology Corporation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Department of Higher Education will participate as ex-officio non-voting members of the Research Alliance.
Structure
Personnel:
Initially, RAM activities will be coordinated by two elected officers – a Chair and a Vice-Chair. Terms for these two officers will be two years. The Chairperson will be elected from among the university members of RAM. The Vice-Chairperson will be elected from among the university and non-profit research institution members. An Executive Committee will consist of the Chair, Vice-Chair, the MTC representative and the RAM Executive Director. This committee will conduct RAM business at times when a gathering of RAM representatives is not feasible. All such decisions and actions shall be forwarded to the RAM representatives as soon as feasible. No monetary commitments of RAM funds will be made by the Executive Committee without concurrence by a majority of RAM representatives. A Finance/Investment Committee also will be appointed by the Chair to advise the Alliance on the use of funds appropriated and other revenues received to support the RAM mission. In the future, the positions of secretary and treasurer may be established to enable the effective operation of RAM.
Meetings:
The RAM will meet on a monthly basis at a time and location determined by the Executive Committee. Whereas the primary mechanism for decision-making will be by consensus, formal approval of certain actions will require a vote by the member organizations. In this case, each institution and organization will have one vote. RAM members are expected to ensure representation at scheduled meetings and other events.
Funding:
It is anticipated that RAM will receive funding from the state to support its efforts. Additional funding will be obtained from grants, contracts and fees for projects initiated, facilitated and/or supported by the Alliance. The Missouri Technology Corporation will be the formal recipient of such funds, but RAM will direct the application of such funds acquired through its efforts.
Adopted: April 20, 2004
[1] Missouri Statutes
[2] “Keeping Faith with the Future,” Governor Holden’s State of the State Address, January 15, 2003