The Knowledge Seekers: Creating Centers for the Performing Sciences

The author argues that a new type of institution, a "Center for the Performing Sciences," is necessary to efficiently close the gap between research and the application of innovation. Such a center would operate as a public-private partnership, bridging government, industry, and academia. It would be free of some of the competing priorities of academic institutions, serve as a venue for R&D cooperation or "coopetition" among private companies, and ultimately be self-sustaining from a share of the intellectual property it produced. The author's points are illustrated with examples from the Houston Area Research Center (HARC), where he served as President and CEO.