University of South Carolina Research Partnerships Generating Over $790M for the Palmetto State

COLUMBIA, SC – When the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) first launched six years ago, its goal was to build relationships between researchers and industry partners. True to its mandate, the university has forged ties with global industry giants and is driving hundreds of millions of dollars into the state’s economy.

The OEE, with its corporate and government partners, has created over $790 million in indirect economic impact since its founding in 2013, using a standard economic development analysis that examines both direct and indirect economic benefits generated through the office. The figure includes ongoing industry partner investments along with grant generation, software gifts and new job creation.

“Thanks to the vision of President Harris Pastides, OEE has had a swift economic impact on our state,” says University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen. “We look forward to building more research partnership opportunities and providing our students with the skills and expertise needed for success in high-tech careers.”

The OEE serves as the convergence point for private industry, government, and the university. In addition to connecting industry partners with the university’s intellectual capital, it also leads technology commercialization efforts, fosters entrepreneurship and start-ups, supports research centers and grows existing collaborations.

“The tremendous success we’ve had in such a short period of time is a testament to the quality of research taking place here at the University of South Carolina,” says Bill Kirkland, OEE executive director. “We are in the top 1 percent of patent-producing universities in the world, and innovative industry leaders know that South Carolina is the place to be.”

Ongoing research partnerships include a wide range of companies and federal agencies, from advanced computing, aerospace and automotive, to health care. They include: IBM, Boeing, NASA, Samsung, Siemens, Yaskawa, Capgemini, Prisma Health, Nephron, TIGHITCO, and more.

OEE supported research centers include:

  • Three labs located at the McNAIR Aerospace Research Center on Catawba Street: 1) The IBM IOT Industrial Innovation Center (2018). The only university-based IBM lab of its kind in North America, the lab uses cloud data to develop new technolgoies to help American manfacturers improve their operations. 2) The Digital Transformation Lab (2018). The 15,000-square-foot lab serves as a research showplace where projects with an array of real-world industrial and consumer applications are on display—from robotics, visual inspection, and autonomous drones to smart home appliances. 3) The Center for Predictive Maintenance. Researchers and students from four university departments support the U.S. Army Aviation program. Using cloud-based technology and machine learning, researchers and students conduct detailed analyses, identify potential defects or problems and recommend specific solutions to improve maintenance for combat helicopters.
  • Siemens Healthineers Innovation Think Tank (ITT) Lab (2019). The ITT Lab is the first of its kind affiliated with a U.S. university. The lab will be an innovation hub where participants including researchers, faculty members, and students can think outside the box to solve issues in health care, artificial intelligence, robotics, and information technology alongside industry innovation leaders.
  • The AI Institute (2019). The new institute advances state-of-the-art AI applications in fields like health care, education, social sciences, communications, advanced manufacturing, autonomous transportation and personalized security, while also examining the ethics and societal impact of advancing technologies.

Visit the Office of Economic Engagement to learn more about the university’s industry partnerships.

Featured

  • MiEN Releases White Paper on Community College Space Innovation

    MiEN Company recently released a new white paper called “Designing New Innovative Spaces for Community Colleges” to address the needs of community colleges post-pandemic, according to a news release. The eight-page guide by Dr. Christina Counts, MiEN Company VP of Education and Marketing, covers topics like the enrollment drop that these schools have seen since COVID-19, the roles they play in higher education and local workforces, and five suggested key changes that can improve students’ experiences.

  • Image courtesy of Armstrong International

    The Modern Hot Water System Approach to Keep Higher Education Buildings Safe and Operational

    Higher education campuses face unique structural and operational demands. With a range of old and new buildings, a variety of facility types, and ambitious sustainability goals, it's essential that no aspect of infrastructural performance is overlooked. Facility managers must be equipped to provide a safe, reliable and efficient space for students, faculty and guests.

  • ProTeam Launches GoFit 6 HEPA Backpack Vacuum

    Technology leader Emerson recently introduced the new ProTeam GoFit 6 HEPA backpack vacuum, according to a news release. The vacuum was designed to capture 99.97% of particulates down to 0.3 microns—including atmospheric hazards like lead dust, mold spores, and other particulates—through an advanced filtration system.

  • Aims Community College to Build Workforce Innovation Center

    Aims Community College in Greeley, Colo., recently announced that it has broken ground on its new Aims Workforce Innovation Center (AWIC), according to a news release. The facility for workforce development, entrepreneurship, and education has a scheduled opening date of fall 2026.

Digital Edition