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we all know, great ideas are fairly simple to conceive; such chapter events included inviting speakers to talk
however, the execution or translation of the idea is the about technology-rich subjects, discussing technol-
much more difficult step, one that’s often confounding ogy and invention relevant policies and specifics of
and can leave a great idea exactly that—a great idea the particular institution, and honoring or involving
with unfulfilled opportunity. student and alumni inventors.
So, what makes an “impactful” NAI chapter? A Panelists acknowledged that the benefits of
chapter can, and should, be so much more than an launching chapters include both the obvious—a wish
honorific entity. An NAI chapter isn’t just a curricu- to promote a culture of invention—and the not so
lum vitae filler, i.e., an organization with no meetings obvious—the protection of federal and /or taxpayer
or involvement, something I refer to as an “Annual interests by the promotion of invention within the
Banquet Honor Society.” Rather, an NAI chapter pro- federal sector, visibility with board of trustee mem-
vides the opportunity to change local innovation bers and leaders (e.g., university presidents), and the
culture, to provide teaching moments, to inform use of chapters as an intellectual property mentoring
public policy, and to impact global innovation. To tool for new hires. Regarding the latter, all agreed that
achieve these types of impactful outcomes, however, the chapters can serve as a conduit for knowledge
it’s important to determine what goals or output make dissemination, allowing us to share the importance
sense for your very individualized organizations of patenting and teach members about the existing
and entities and to ask yourselves how to construct technology transfer processes, things that are partic-
impactful chapters that will benefit your organiza- ularly valuable to junior and aspiring inventors.
tions rather than trying to clone processes that are Several panelists also noted that chapters serve as
successful and relevant elsewhere. the home for a very unique inventor network of indi-
viduals who don’t normally interact with each other.
THE PANEL DISCUSSION For example, students have been quick to appreciate
The 6 annual NAI conference featured a panel the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that
th
of outstanding individuals from a diverse group of NAI chapters have helped to create. Given our role in
institutions, all of which have launched successful innovation promotion, the incorporation of students
chapters. The institutions included public, private, in chapter activities, providing student memberships
and federal entities. My sincere thanks to panelists and honoring student invention, giving students the
Vikki Hazelwood (Stevens Institute of Technology), opportunity to network with faculty invention men-
Todd Keiller (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), Ste- tors, and giving faculty inventors the opportunity to
phen Russell (Space and Naval Warfare System Center help mold the next generation of entrepreneurs are
Pacific), and Jan Thornton (Auburn University) for crucial activities. Two panelists at academic institu-
providing insights from their organizations. tions mentioned the particular importance of the
involvement of another key figure of the inventor
Benefits of Chapters network—the chief academic officer (e.g., the pro-
The conversation opened with some general vost). The provost’s presence at chapter celebratory
observations on the role and value of chapters. The events symbolizes a change from the traditional aca-
panelists agreed that a chapter can be the starting demic rewards structure where innovation has not
point for a change in (or establishment of) campus had a home and highlights the interconnection of
innovation culture. Specifically, it can be a great moti- curriculum and technology transfer activities.
vator and enthusiasm builder for faculty members; it While return on investment for starting a chapter
can also be a way of involving students and alumni was largely limited to anecdotal examples such as
in, and raising their excitement about, the innova- good will and enthusiastic participation in events, one
tion process. To that end, it can provide professional panelist was surprised at the impact of the chapter
development opportunities and other meaningful and the resulting attention from federal entities as
activities to build momentum and excitement, going well as a perceived increase in patent disclosures. All
beyond a very simple “rah rah” sentiment. Ideas for panelists found that the chapter provided inventors