Innovative ideas happening at The University of New Mexico are having an impact across the globe with several universities in Japan looking to emulate the model at UNM that puts students at the forefront of innovative ideas to impact their communities.
Robert G. Frank, PhD, former president of UNM, now Director for the Center for Health Policy within the UNM College of Population Health, sheds light on the innovative initiatives he has undertaken during his tenure, specifically highlighting the groundbreaking efforts of the UNM Innovation Academy.
Cities that have vibrant economic development efforts that focus on innovation affects everybody... Their salaries all go up as a function of the economy spinning faster.
The UNM Innovation Academy is an academic arm of Innovate ABQ, a city of Albuquerque project aimed at fostering economic development and job creation in the state. The UNM Innovation Academy is centered on UNM’s commitment to leveraging University resources for the development of the community.
Frank explained how the UNM Innovation Academy is charged with equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary to transform novel ideas into marketable ventures. Over 2,000 students have engaged in its programs through the Lobo Rainforest and the UNM Anderson School of Management, making the UNM Innovation Academy a cornerstone of UNM's innovation ecosystem.
Reflecting on a recent trip to Japan in January 2024, Frank talked about the global application of the core principles of the UNM Innovation Academy. Several universities in Japan are looking to adopt the model, recognizing its potential to ignite economic growth and nurture entrepreneurial talent. Japanese institutions are embracing the challenge of fostering innovation, drawing inspiration from UNM's success story.
As Frank presented at a conference in Sakai, Japan which included local government officials, business leaders, and academic faculty, he witnessed the transformative power of collaborative partnerships. The mayor of Sakai, a visionary leader committed to stimulating the city's economy, welcomed Frank’s knowledge through workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. Frank gave invaluable insights gathered from UNM's experience, offering a blueprint for cultivating innovation ecosystems.
Frank stresses how vibrant economic development efforts centered on innovation can uplift entire communities, elevating the standard of living for all. He cited the pivotal roles played by visionary leaders like former Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry, whose partnership with UNM catalyzed the establishment of Innovate ABQ.
"Cities that have vibrant economic development efforts that focus on innovation affects everybody... Their salaries all go up as a function of the economy spinning faster,” Frank says.
However, Frank says central to the success of innovation ecosystems requires a dedicated leadership and a conducive environment for entrepreneurship to thrive. Frank emphasizes the importance of continued support and investment from key stakeholders to nurture new ventures and help them succeed. He acknowledges the many challenges inherent in the entrepreneurial journey but is optimistic about the transformative potential of collaborative efforts.
It's all about leadership... You need people that are in positions of authority that can make this a priority, that care to keep it alive and keep it moving.
"It's all about leadership,” Frank says. “You need people that are in positions of authority that can make this a priority, that care to keep it alive and keep it moving."
UNM's commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond education to facilitate production resulting from faculty research and intellectual property. Through initiatives like Lobo Innovations, UNM also provides crucial support to faculty members seeking to transform their ideas into patents with tangible outcomes that can be brought to market. Frank emphasizes the pivotal role of universities in bridging the gap between academia and industry and turn it into an economic power.
Looking ahead, Frank advocates for sustained leadership and collaboration to further advance innovation ecosystems, both locally and globally. He stresses the need for continued partnerships between universities, businesses, and governments to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. UNM's Innovation Academy, led by Professor Rob DelCampo, exemplifies the power of collaborative partnerships in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges. Frank's insights demonstrate the transformative potential globally, offering valuable lessons for cities seeking to drive economic growth and societal advancement through innovation.