Joining the NYS faculty development and technology transfer advisory board

Letter of appointmentI am pleased to announce that I have been offered and have accepted appointment to the “faculty development and technology transfer advisory board” that counsels the New York State Commissioner of Economic Development on aspects of the “research development program” administered by the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation at DED/Empire State Development Corporation.

The appointment stems from my work over the last decade with business incubators in New York State. Although the board is advisory only, because its work affects the allocation of public resources, I have been required to undergo a thorough background check and to file extensive financial disclosures with the state ethics commission. If, as, and when the board meets and deliberates, I will be rigorously disclosing any consulting assignments I have received from eligible NYS academic institutions. I may be required to recuse myself from advising on those applications that pose actual or perceived conflicts of interest and/or to turn down certain consulting assignments that pose undue risks of conflict.

Specifically, under consolidated NYS Executive Law Article 10B Section 209-B, the board advises on the allocation of available appropriations to two specific programs:

The faculty development program is hereby created to assist institutions of higher education and research institutions with the retention and recruitment of research faculty. Funds appropriated for this program shall be administered by the office pursuant to request for proposals. Consideration for the allocation of awards shall be given to all institutions of higher education and research institutions within the state provided such institutions demonstrate to the satisfaction of the advisory council a specific need for such funds and the manner in which such award for the recruitment and retention of research faculty would enhance the research capabilities and reputation of the institution. Criteria for such awards shall include, but not be limited to, the ability of the faculty member to leverage and attract federal funds, venture capital and private industry funds, and the willingness of the faculty member to pursue entrepreneurial enterprises resulting in new business or the expansion of existing business in New York state.

and

An incentive program is hereby created to provide additional assistance to technology transfer or commercialization activities at institutions of higher education and research institutions in the state of New York for the purpose of encouraging technology transfer from institutions of higher education and research institutions to businesses and for commercialization within New York state. Funds appropriated for this program shall be available for personal service expenses to enhance the technology transfer abilities or commercialization of research of higher education and research institutions to businesses within New York state including but not limited to patent applications, the creation of business and marketing plans, venture capital conferences and non-capital costs associated with the development of real property owned by such institution of higher education or research institution for research and development purposes. Funds awarded under the incentive program shall not exceed fifty percent of the cost of the purpose for which such funds shall be applied.

 

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