With a combined enrollment of nearly 65,000, The University of Akron and Kent State University are widely known for academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, the two universities also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development, thanks in large part to their cutting-edge research efforts.

As the largest public university in Northeast Ohio and one of the area’s top 20 employers, Kent State is a major player in terms of economic development, says Iris Harvey, vice president of university relations at Kent State. Educational services, research and entrepreneurial support are each part of the university's mission.

Harvey says that Kent State provides a number of valuable resources for business, from access to state-of-the-art facilities and research to assistance with technology transfer.

“We have built strong relationships with local business and industry, and so much of our research has been commercialized,” she says. “There are many entrepreneurial success stories, specifically within the area of liquid crystals.”

In fact, Kent State was a true pioneer in liquid crystalline materials, establishing its Liquid Crystal Institute back in 1965. Since then, the LCI has been the center for global advancement in the field, supporting both basic research and technological development. The Liquid Crystal Display Resource Facility at LCI includes a 3,500-square-foot clean room for the manufacture or prototyping of liquid crystal devices and related research, as well as a complete passive LCD pilot manufacturing line.

The University of Akron also sees research as a driving force behind its success. Known for its expertise in polymers and advanced materials, biomaterials and medical devices, advanced energy, computational science and nanotechnology, UA has built a solid reputation on technology transfer and collaborative research projects.

Each year, the university works with more than 100 companies on various research projects, partnering with local industry to solve problems and create opportunities. Recent partnerships have included big names such as Bridgestone, Goodyear, Lockheed Martin, Parker Hannifin and Sherwin-Williams.

In addition, UA’s Office of Technology Transfer assists start-up companies throughout the commercialization process, examining marketability of inventions, applying for and maintaining appropriate patents, and arranging for the licensing of university technology.

According to Kent State’s Harvey, such collaborative efforts are crucial to any institution’s success and typical of the region’s pro-business approach.

“Like any university, we are constantly striving for strong community and corporate partnerships – and we’re very proud of our record,” she says. “Just as the strength and diversity of our students translate into a strong workforce, the global resources and partnerships we foster strengthen the local economy.”