Technology transfer and academic education with a focus on diversity

Abstract

This paper describes the “Presence on Campus” technology transfer experiment that Hughes Electronics Corporation is conducting with a large minority institution, California State University, Los Angeles (CSLA). It presents the experiment in the context of the company's workforce diversity objectives and its internal and other external education diversity efforts, as well as CSLA's minority education and research and development programs. The article summarizes progress toward the promotion of resource-leveraging joint R&D projects and student intern involvement, as well as the definition of industry-relevant thesis topics. Some lessons learned are reported.