ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED

   COLUMBUS -- David N. Allen, director of The Ohio State University Office for Technology Licensing since January 1997, has been appointed as assistant vice president for technology partnerships.

   In the new position, Allen will coordinate and supervise the Office of Research’s two technology partnership offices -- Technology Licensing and Industrial Outreach -- and will share joint supervisory responsibility for the university Research Foundation’s Office for Business and Industry Contracts.

   The assistant vice presidency is a new position in the Office of Research designed to lead Ohio State’s increasing efforts to link university-based research with business and industry. Allen, of DUBLIN, also will coordinate Ohio State’s role in implementing and managing external technology commercialization initiatives, and assist faculty and administrators who want to pursue technology partnerships.

   “Dave Allen is clearly the best candidate for this position,” said William A. Baeslack, interim vice president for research. “He has broad experience in both university and industry settings, and knows how to create meaningful relationships with the technology sector.”

   Allen was instrumental in leading development of the Science and Technology Campus plan for the southwest portion of the Columbus campus, which was approved by trustees in December 1997. The STC will house technology-based companies and organizations that have relationships with Ohio State, such as producing products and services derived from university research. Allen also has served as coordinator for the University Technology Partnerships Task Force, which is working to elevate Ohio State to a model research institution in terms of engagement with business and industry.

   “Ohio State is putting more emphasis on technology partnerships because of the inherent mutual benefits: These relationships will enhance our ability to attract resources and increase the economic competitiveness of the partner companies,” said Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost. “In this key administrative post, Dave will help further establish Ohio State as a national leader in putting its research to use in ways that benefit society.”

   Allen came to Ohio State from Ohio University in Athens, where he was assistant vice president for economic and technology development from 1993 to 1996 and director of the Innovation Center and Technology Transfer Office from 1991 to 1993. Allen also directed OU’s Edison Biotechnology Institute from 1992 to 1995. From 1981 to 1991, Allen was at the Pennsylvania State University, first in the College of Liberal Arts and later in the Smeal College of Business. At Penn State he taught public policy and entrepreneurship, and conducted research on technology commercialization practice and policy. He also has extensive experience serving as a consultant in business planning and venture capital fund investing.

   “This is a great time to be at Ohio State and I am deeply committed to weaving technology partnerships into the fabric of the university’s culture,” Allen said. “We have come a long way in the past few years, and there is no reason we can’t be among the national leaders in this area.”

   Allen earned his M.P.A. and M.R.P. from Penn State, and his B.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Contacts:
David N. Allen, Technology Licensing, (614) 688-5744
William A. Baeslack, Research, (614) 292-1582
Edward J. Ray, Academic Affairs, (614) 292-5881