A comparative analysis of technology innovation centers of excellence across the world: Secrets to success

Abstract

With increasing pressures for technology-oriented universities and their technology innovation centers to gain an international competitive advantage, these institutions must champion a leadership role for global economic development. Because of the exponential, fractal-like growth of knowledge due to scientific and technological advances, the solving of complex global problems will require a different way of thinking than was used to create them. No longer are solutions typically bound within a single domain, science or technology. Instead, solutions now more frequently require a highly integrated, systems approach across many domains, sciences, or technologies. Thus, it is necessary for technology innovation centers to create unique niches that differentiate them from other technology-oriented universities focusing on the most significant problems facing our global society. This competitive focus emphasizes the intersection between innovation, technology, production, and the creation and diffusion of knowledge2. It embraces how technology and innovation centers shape emerging methodology and environments to maximizing their capability to innovate. Coupled with this reality, is the pressure for technology-oriented universities to meet the ABET standards for accreditation. Technology innovation and research centers provide an excellent vehicle for providing a value-Added component for technology-oriented universities to extend the curriculum experience by providing both undergraduate and graduate students a research experience3 with real-world problems, opportunities and applications. The authors of this paper present a comparative analysis of technology and innovationoriented centers. To gain an understanding of such centers, the authors focused on recognized centers to examine their mission, goals and objectives, research focus, business model, competitive perspectives, growth anomalies, principles of specialization, and innovation capabilities. Based on this comparative analysis, the authors developed a set of relevant conclusions and recommendations for technology innovation centers. The intent is to support increased attention to and wide application for engineering and technology institutions in their quest to advance technological innovation and economic development. ©American Society for Engineering education, 2013.