Visit the original article from UIDP here.
UIDP, a global association of leading companies and universities, marks a significant milestone with the 10th anniversary of its transformation from a U.S. National Academies program to an independent, nonprofit membership organization. More than a structural shift, this evolution reflects a decade-long commitment to strategically advancing university-industry (U-I) partnerships on a global scale.
A Global Community, A Shared Mission
Since becoming an independent entity, UIDP has grown into a robust community of more than 11,000 representatives from over 200 member organizations. Membership expansion across industries, sectors, and national borders has elevated UIDP’s ability to convene diverse perspectives supporting collaborative innovation. A key development in this evolution was welcoming non-U.S. universities into membership, enabling a more comprehensive and global dialogue around research partnerships.
Driving Impact through Engagement and Resources
Over the past decade, UIDP has hosted hundreds of events across the world, from intimate networking sessions to large-scale conferences, creating spaces for leaders in academia, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector to engage and collaborate. These gatherings have catalyzed 62 high-impact projects and contributed more than 300 practical tools and guides.
UIDP has expanded collaborative opportunities and addressed challenges in the changing research environment through strategic partnerships with government agencies and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, UIDP launched the Strengthen and Modernize U-I Partnerships (SAMI) initiative. This forward-looking effort identifies bold strategies to increase the effectiveness and impact of cross-sector collaboration. As SAMI progresses, new pilots and guidance will further equip stakeholders across university, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to build stronger, more agile partnerships.
A Platform for Continued Collaboration and Solutions
UIDP’s achievements reflect the sustained engagement and support of its members and partners–top-tier companies and world-class universities.
“Reaching this milestone reflects not only the growth of UIDP as an organization, but also the shared commitment of our members to advancing university–industry collaboration in meaningful ways,” said UIDP President and CEO Anthony Boccanfuso. “We are deeply grateful for our members’ continued support and engagement, whose dedication and insight have been essential to UIDP’s impact over the past decade and will continue to shape our future.”