School:Clark Atlanta University
Currently, Clark Atlanta University is developing a strategic plan for the development and implementation of entrepreneurial innovation across disciplines. Building on the current infrastructure the establishment of workshops, lecture series, and special topics courses will provide faculty with the tools needed to pursue entrepreneurship within the marketplace. Encouraging faculty to pursue SBIRs, STTRSs, and development of grant proposals is necessary to the development of sustainable revenue for the University. We are currently reviewing our policies and developing a technology transfer office which is necessary to bridge the gap of innovation and commercialization at Clark Atlanta University. Recently, the University has created the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with David Duncan spearheading the initiative as the Director. In addition, Clark Atlanta University has started the design of its first Innolab which is slated to begin serving students in late February. By implementing the platform set forth by the initial leadership circle while continuing to grow this group to a larger pool of innovators will set in motion sustainable economic development.
Although Clark Atlanta University is in the early stages of developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem we do offer a few entrepreneurial opportunities. The School of Business at Clark Atlanta University makes great efforts to encourage entrepreneurship efforts of the students. Established within the Clark Atlanta University curriculum, freshman students as well as graduate students are exposed to entrepreneurship through the course which we look to establish across disciplines. Students also participate in various pitch competitions in which they prove their capabilities of establishing a working business model necessary for successful startup. The University also has a Shark tank competition this year which should inspire students and raise the profile of the innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives being enacted by both the UIF members and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.The development of programs such as LEADWeek, which has a UIF candidate as its Co-chair, has provided students with the opportunity to receive input on the development of self. Moving forward, the primary goal of the team is to integrate the departmental silos on campus in order to usher in a new ecosystem which embraces collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. We are very optimistic that we will be successful at raising awareness and participation throughout the course of this school year.
Contents
Current Landscape of Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University Strategic Plan 2015
Clark Atlanta University has several hidden gems within the institution and across disciplines that support, enhance and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, the information about these “gems” are not communicated to students, departments, and staff. Thus leaving these gems underutilized.
1. Increasing awareness of the Innolab which will result in increased participation and utilization of the center and cultivating and environment of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
1.1 Develop a marketing plan that promotes the use of the Innovation Center among internal and external stakeholders.
1.2 Capitalize on the Media outlets that are currently at CAU’s disposal to brand the Innovation Center; such as the Atlanta University Center Digest (newspaper), The Panther (newspaper), CAU’s Award Winning Jazz Radio Station, and all the social media platforms that are already established by CAU.
1.3 Develop an I&E annual campaign specifically targeted to alumni, asking for their support and resources to include time, and talent.
1.4 Conduct Informational sessions for the professors within each department that outline our purpose, mission, and how to effectively utilize the InnoLab, and promote the use among their students. For the long term make the informational sessions publicity sessions.
2. Develop Community partnerships
2.1 Establish partnerships with businesses to support innovation and creativity on campus.
2.2. Create a quarterly “Challenge Drop” where local business would drop off a problem/concern that they are currently facing and have the students submit creative, innovative, solutions that could possibly lead to entrepreneurial opportunities for the students.
2.3. Develop an Advisory Board and have Corporations strategically advise the center.
2.4 Invite companies and entrepreneurs to lecture and conduct presentations related to Creativity, and I&E ultimately establishing a lecture series.
3. Establish Innovation fellows advisory committee for CAU
3.1 Select a combination of Faculty, Staff, Students and Administrators whose responsibility is to bridge the gap between the transition of old fellows and new incoming fellow and continue/support the momentum of what the previous UIF students have initiated.
3.2 Advisory Committee will be responsible for preserving the long term strategic plan developed by the UIF and landscape.
3.3 Support creative problem solving/provide practical experience from corporation Sponsorships for intellectual property
3.4 The advisory committee should be voted on and approved by students, on an annual basis.
3.5 The committee should consist of faculty, entreprenuers, educators and current or past UIF members.
4. I&E Events on Campus
4.1 Lean Startup April-May (per semester)
4.2 Launch a hack-a-thon for students and invite local Universities (annually)
4.3 Shark Tank event with alumni judges (annually)
4.4 MBA disciplined workshops for non-business students (twice a semester)
4.5 Tedx event at CAU (annual event)