ASU, University of Rhode Island launch Innovation Campus

On Dec. 18, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and the University of Rhode Island (URI) announced the first round of Rhode Island Innovation Campus projects. Arizona State University will collaborate with URI on an innovation hub focused on cybersecurity, big data analytics and the "internet of things." The project supports ASU’s efforts to be a model for a new cohort of National Service Universities, which provide critical social and economic benefit and a dedication to societal impact through education and research.

ASU Now spoke with Sethuraman Panchanathan, executive vice president of Knowledge Enterprise Development and chief research and innovation officer at ASU, about the partnership with URI and about National Service Universities. 

Question: What is an innovation center? 

Answer: An innovation center is a place for finding creative solutions for various challenges and opportunities by working in partnership with academia, industry and the government.

Q: Why is ASU well suited to partner with the University of Rhode Island on a project like this?

A: ASU is the most innovative university in the country. We are committed to partnering with that spirit of innovation in our collaboration with URI. Innovation is ubiquitous. Partnerships help accelerate outcomes in research, education and entrepreneurship. We are looking forward to scaling innovation at a national level through this collaboration.

Q: What is a National Service University, and how does the Rhode Island Innovation Center fit into that concept? 

A: ASU aspires to be a model for a new cohort of National Service Universities. These universities provide critical social and economic benefit to our country with dedication to societal impact through the highest-quality education and research. The University of Rhode Island is committed to this mission, and the partnership between ASU and URI will result in cutting-edge technological innovations at scale, will serve both of our student bodies and faculty in advancing their knowledge and will advance the public value of our institutions.

Q: How can other universities become National Service Universities? 

A: Any university that subscribes to the vision of being an innovative, technology-intensive public research institution dedicated to providing critical social and economic benefit at scale would be a natural partner and in the cohort of National Service Universities.