Industry: Balancing Challenges of Social and Economic Value in Research

Graduate School Seminar Series: Collaborative Leadership & Grand Challenges Research

Does—and Should?—Industry Balance Complex Challenges of Social and Economic Value in Research? If So, Why?

Hear from a panel of representatives from corporations and nonprofit organizations that are tackling complex questions to generate solutions that will make a positive difference.

In what career context do you plan to pursue your research? Are you thinking about the possibility of a career in industry? If so, have you also thought about how you will contribute societal value through your research, especially if innovation and discovery are tied to profit? Can social and economic value be created at the same time, and if so, how? What strategies do non-academic organizations use to approach large, multidisciplinary “wicked” problems? How do cross-disciplinary teams function in these settings? How do communities engage with private enterprise when questions of the public good are at stake, and how do public/private partnerships work? What is the role of nonprofits in advancing research for public benefit? Join a panel of experts in a discussion about taking on Grand Challenges from an industry perspective.

Ample time will be provided for Q&A. An informal reception and networking opportunity will follow the panel.

Panelists:

Tawanna Black, Executive Director, Northside Funders Group

Brendon Hale, ‎Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer, NetZro

Raj Rajan, Vice President for Research, Development and Engineering; Ecolab, Inc.

Joseph Shaw, Senior Partner, International Life Science Enterprises, LLC

Paula Skjefte, Executive Chair and CEO, Cardialen

Moderator:

Tim Tripp, Assistant Director, Office of University Economic Development, University of Minnesota