UCSD’s Business Role

This letter is written in response to Michael Schrage’s column “Entrepreneurial Gap at Local Universities,” which ran Sept. 14 (Business). In his article, Mr. Schrage asserted that Southern California universities have had little impact on the new high-technology industries in the Los Angeles area.

The story in San Diego is quite different. Because of its research focus and its development in the land-rich northern corner of the city, UC San Diego has been instrumental in the continued growth of San Diego’s electronics and computer industry and a central player in the growth of San Diego as a center for biotechnology. In a survey which we conducted last year, San Diego boasted 70 biotech companies, many of them started by UCSD graduates or faculty. In addition, the number of electronics, neural network, software and medical instruments companies is increasing. UCSD has maintained close ties to these companies through industrial liaison programs and technical education offered through University Extension.

To further stimulate the development of high-technology in San Diego, UCSD Extension four years ago started CONNECT, an innovative program which links high-tech entrepreneurs with the financial, managerial and technical resources and skills they need for success. CONNECT offers seminars, lectures and courses on topics such as raising capital, marketing technology products and intellectual property protection. On an individual basis, CONNECT counsels high-tech entrepreneurs on how to write their business plans and introduces them to investors.

This year, UCSD is seeking to further enhance technology transfer through an office dedicated to this activity exclusively.

MARY LINDENSTEIN WALSHOK

Associate Vice Chancellor,

Extended Studies and Public Service

UC San Diego