Research Alliance of Missouri

OUR MISSION

• To improve the well-being of Missourians through increased research productivity and technology innovation within Missouri universities.
  
  
• To promote economic development through increased collaborative efforts between the academic and business sectors.
  
  
• To provide greater access of Missouri businesses to university derived technologies.

-->Complete Strategic Plan

OUR STORY

The Research Alliance of Missouri was formed on January 15, 2003, and consists of chief research officers of major universities across the state. In order to define critical issues related to the evolution of a knowledge-based economy for Missouri, RAM identified resources at its disposal to:

• Provide basic and advanced education and training for the workforce needs of Missouri businesses;
  
  
• Produce new knowledge through research;
  
  
• Facilitate technology transfer from newly created knowledge into commercialized products in order to improve the standard of living of Missourians; and
  
  
• Enhance Federal funding through collaborative agreements.
  

WHO WE ARE

RAM currently consists of 12 universities, whose chief research officers and technology transfer officers serve as representatives to RAM. The Missouri Technology Corporation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Higher Education participate as ex-officio non-voting members of the Research Alliance.

Participation in RAM will expand to include other universities and non-profit organizations with a demonstrated capability to enhance the economic development of Missouri through research and development. Among criteria for selection of future RAM participants is an annual expenditure of at least $10 million for research and development.

                                                      ->RAM Board Members

HOW WE ACHIEVE OUR GOALS

• Facilitating cutting-edge research:
  • Fostering collaborative research initiatives among Missouri's public and private universities.
  • Building a stronger university and non-profit research infrastructure.
  • Fostering collaborations between Missouri's universities and companies.
    
    
• Promoting technology transfer:
  • Encouraging the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.
  • Streamlining the technology transfer process.
    
    
• Addressing industry needs:
  • Assisting Missouri businesses in solving technological problems.
  • Facilitating univeristy/industry research and development collaborations.
    
    
• Addressing workforce needs:
  • Creating opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge research.
  • Enriching opportunities for graduate students and post- doctoral fellows through collaborative research programs.

   

RAM operates as part of the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC). Established in 1994, MTC is a private not-for-profit corporation. Pursuant to Sections 348.251 to 348.266 and subject to the provisions of Chapter 355 of the Missouri Statues, the MTC charter calls for building a “research alliance which shall advance technology development.”

RAM receives funding from the state, through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, to support its efforts. Additional funding is obtained from grants, contracts, and fees for projects initiated, facilitated and/or supported by the Alliance. The Missouri Technology Corporation is the formal recipient of such funds, but RAM directs the application of such funds acquired through its efforts.

RAM meets on a monthly basis at a time and location determined by the Executive Committee.