Promoting Innovation and Industry Collaboration: A Key Workshop by UPD College of Science

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In a world where scientific advancements are critical to solving global challenges, Filipino scientists are increasingly focusing on innovations that can address the pressing concerns of the Philippines. In line with this, the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Innovation Committee, under the Science and Society Program (SSP), recently hosted a groundbreaking workshop aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration with industry partners.

Held last year, the Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures (OGSM) Workshop was a pivotal event designed to spark meaningful discussions and strategies on promoting innovation within the College of Science. The workshop's primary goal was to empower faculty members, researchers, and innovation leaders to advance scientific discoveries that can lead to real-world solutions while strengthening ties with industry stakeholders.

A Collaborative Effort for Innovation

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Innovation Committee, Deputy Directors for Research and Extension from various institutes, and individuals with expertise in technology transfer. These attendees were all united by the shared mission of driving forward innovation within their respective fields and ensuring that research outputs are not just theoretical but applicable in real-world contexts.

Dr. Lerrie Ann Ipulan-Colet, the Director of SSP, kicked off the event by introducing the CAPE Innovation Program for 2023-2025. CAPE stands for Collate and Categorize theses, dissertations, and research publications, Build Awareness, Prepare researchers and students to develop products from their research, and Exposure and Immersion to Innovation Opportunities. This forward-thinking initiative reflects UPD-CS’s commitment to scientific advancement and nation-building. It encourages members of the academic community to pursue groundbreaking research and engage in collaborations with various institutions to protect and promote their discoveries.

Key Takeaways and Insights from the Workshop

The workshop’s facilitator, Innovation Committee Consultant Engr. Rolando Lazo, guided participants through a range of crucial topics, starting with the rationale behind the workshop and sharing statistical insights that underscore the importance of innovation in addressing both local and global challenges. Engr. Lazo also led a review of a pre-workshop meeting held on October 14, where key issues around UPD-CS’s innovation direction were identified.

One of the most valuable components of the workshop was the interactive group sessions, where participants shared their experiences—both successes and challenges—encountered in the innovation process. This peer exchange allowed for the identification of common obstacles and the development of practical strategies for overcoming them. Attendees discussed the resources, actions, and mindsets required to ensure the success of innovation initiatives within the College of Science.

“The workshop provided an in-depth discussion on the experiences of people who have gone through the innovation process,” remarked one participant. Another added, “I hope the fruits of the meeting will be materialized properly into the Innovation Committee.”

Looking Ahead: Societal Impact and Value Proposition

A follow-up session is planned for this year, where participants will delve deeper into the concept of societal impact—its definition and significance in the innovation process. This session will be crucial in helping attendees refine their approaches to developing research that does not just push scientific boundaries but also serves the greater good of society.

In addition to discussions on societal impact, the workshop will feature a value proposition exercise to sharpen participants’ understanding of how their research can provide tangible benefits to various sectors. These activities aim to equip UPD-CS researchers with the tools they need to not only conduct groundbreaking studies but also translate their work into products and services that benefit society as a whole.

A Vision for the Future

The OGSM workshop is just the beginning of a larger initiative at UPD-CS to create an innovation ecosystem that will drive the Philippines towards a brighter, more sustainable future. As the university continues to promote scientific research and collaboration, it remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, making sure that innovative ideas lead to practical solutions for the nation’s most pressing challenges.

With efforts like these, UPD-CS is poised to continue its legacy of fostering not only academic excellence but also impactful innovations that will shape the future of science and technology in the Philippines and beyond. As Filipino scientists and researchers work hand-in-hand with industry partners, the possibilities for creating solutions that benefit society are limitless.

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

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