Abstract
In 2001, New York State teamed with IBM to create a research center for nanoelectronics at the University at Albany. Since then, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) has been expanded with over $6 billion in investment, attracted over 250 industrial collaborators, and awarded 72 graduate degrees. This paper discusses the formation of the triple helix center in Albany, NY. It then examines the impact of the CNSE on the regional economy and compares it with three other nanotechnology triple helix centers. The analysis finds that the CNSE is more successful at generating nanoknowledge as measured by publications and patents. Much of the research conducted at CNSE has been collaborative effort between university and industrial partners and often resulted in patents assigned to industrial partners. Since 2001, there has been qualitative and quantitative evidence of the emergence of a nanotechnology cluster in the Capital Region of NY. Upstate NY has become home to multiple nanotechnology firms and experienced growth in the employment in nanotechnology related industries. Potential explanations for the success of the CNSE are explored including the anchor tenant hypothesis and the entrepreneurial university.
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The four other Centers of Excellence created in 2001 were: Bioinformatics and Life Sciences (Buffalo), Photonics and Optoelectronics (Rochester); Wireless and Information Technology (Stony Brook); and Environmental and Energy Systems (Syracuse). As of 2006, the NYS State had invested $586 million in the five centers; 58% was awarded to the CNSE and 42% was allocated to the other four centers. CNSE had received $1,200 million in private investment compared to the other centers which had received $135 million total. The goal of the CoEs was to leverage state funding to attract complementary investments. Because CNSE has been able to attract private investors, they have been successful in securing state funding compared to the other CoEs.
Moore (1965).
NSF R&D expenditure data.
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Schultz, L.I. Nanotechnology’s triple helix: a case study of the University at Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. J Technol Transf 36, 546–564 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-010-9201-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-010-9201-8