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The University of Akron Strategic Plan
Promises and Aspirations
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Research and Innovation
Promise IV
To nurture research and innovation as the anchor public urban research university in Northeast Ohio.
1. Promote and empower faculty research across the University.
- Use storytelling to share and instill a culture of research excellence.
- Support faculty in identifying and securing external grants by implementing new grants management and human
subjects research software platforms. - Support applied scholarly engagement by encouraging the faculty to review and revise Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (RTP) and merit documents.
- Support faculty in funding agency compliance by leveraging open access platforms.
2. Be a leader in the region’s innovation economy.
- Revitalize the University of Akron Research Foundation as the vehicle for innovation at UA.
- Facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships between regional businesses and University stakeholders.
- Increase patents, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and licensing agreements.
- Work with partners in the polymer cluster to deliver top-flight research around sustainable polymers as articulated in
the recent designation of Akron as a Tech Hub.
2023 Progress Highlights
IV. WE PROMISE TO NURTURE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION BY:
A. Revitalizing the Office of Research Administration and the operations of the University of Akron Research Foundation, including hiring permanent leadership.
PROGRESS 2023:
- Hired New Leadership: Dr. Suzanne Bausch named Vice President for Research and Business Engagement and Dean of the Graduate School.
Key Contact Area: Office of Research
B. Incentivize faculty to secure external support for their research and increase Facilities and Administration revenue to the General Fund
PROGRESS 2023:
- Expanded Grant Opportunities: FY22 grant awards increased 38% over FY21.
- Increased personnel: The Office of Research Administration expanded to support faculty in pre-award (two new hires) and post-award (one new hire) stages.
Key Contact Area: Research at the University of Akron
C. Identify and adjust policies and practices that hinder faculty in their scholarly and innovation pursuits.
PROGRESS 2023:
- Innovation Opportunities: Reintroduced “three-party” agreements with UA, UARF and outside entities to increase efficiency of innovation pursuits.
- Foster Entrepreneurship: Expanded entrepreneurship through the I-Corps program to build programs for early entrepreneurs and attract students.
Key Contact Area: University of Akron Research Foundation
Promises and Aspirations
Strategic Plan
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Well-Being & Stewardship
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Academic Opportunity
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Inclusive Excellence & Belonging
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Research & Innovation
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