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BUILDING NAI CHAPTERS 633

with the potential to build unique collaborations and generally started with people who frequent technol-
elevate invention. They noted anecdotally that the ogy transfer offices and those who are excited about
disclosures, following establishment of the chapter looking beyond basic publishing, teaching, and con-
networks, captured very different, cross-disciplinary ducting research. The panelists found that this type
ideas that were thoroughly considered and seemed of filter for initial membership results in individuals
closer to translation (perhaps due to the presence of passionate about technology and commercialization.
multiple, very different eyes on the idea). On the other hand, the panelists agreed that welcom-
ing all to chapter events helps more broadly advertise
Challenges with Chapters the chapter mission and more widely promote an
While the discussion largely focused on the pos- invention culture. Most panelists described having
itive aspects of creating and running local chapters, honorary members, such as administrators or staff
the panelists did not omit the failures and challenging who are instrumental in supporting invention or
moments we face in moving chapters forward, as students who are just beginning to involve themselves
everyone can learn from and, more importantly, learn in the disclosure and patenting process.
to avoid those triangular wheel creation moments.
One challenge is deciding which events to hold and Institution Chapter Highlights
when to hold them. The panelists provided examples Beyond the general discussion, the panelists were
to highlight the point that the chapter members them- eager to share individual highlights from their insti-
selves must be involved in the chapter events planning tutions, underscoring successes and best practices.
process, or one runs the risk of having under-attended
events due to lack of attention to member needs and • Stephen Russell noted that the Space and Naval
time constraints. Programming should be based on Warfare System Center Pacific chapter activities
the interests and needs of the individual members have led to two main outcomes: 1) an uptick
of each chapter and scheduled so as to maximize the in the number of patent disclosures in the past
possibility of attendance. year and 2) a surprising amount of positive
Another potential danger for a chapter is the “one attention and support from technology-focused
person” operation, meaning a chapter that lasts only federal agencies such as the Department of
as long as the interests or employment of that individ- Defense, emphasizing the unintended benefits
ual. To avoid this particular ill, we discussed different of starting a chapter.
ways of institutionalizing chapters—by involving • Jan Thornton expressed that the Auburn
direct reports or other administrators in the chapter University’s chapter has helped like-minded
discussions and oversight, for example—so that the individuals on her campus get out of their siloes
chapter and institutional connection to NAI does to share ideas and build important connections.
not dissolve if one passionate organizer moves on In addition, chapter members have established
in interest or location. The panelists also noted that by-laws and elected officers, and, with this effort
once traditions are established, expectations run high, to functionalize and formalize the chapter, the
thus helping promote self-sufficiency and longevity chapter has become a household term across
of the chapter. To that end, capturing meeting and campus. This has allowed invention to become
event planning details in archival format can help an integral part of the culture, which has been
build long-term memory and facilitate the institu- positive for technology transfer and the uni-
tionalization of chapters. versity as a whole.
• Todd Keiller highlighted two ways that the
Chapter Membership Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is work-
Most panelists referred to restricting formal mem- ing to honor inventors. The WPI Hall of Fame
bership invitations, at least initially, to those who are is an entity for those receiving a royalty check,
the inventor of record on patents issued at the par- and the honorary license plate initiative is for
ticular institution (not prior institutions). Invitations those with licensed patents. He also described