A Systems Approach to a Research University ’ s Research and Innovation Strategy

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), a major research university in the United States of America, has a legacy culture of embedding innovation throughout its education and research programs and thus an important role in facilitating economic development within its region. A new strategic vision introduced in 2010 to guide Georgia Tech’s role nationally and internationally, included a systems approach to support faculty-led research concurrently with a focus on maximizing industry and societal benefit. The systems approach guides research infrastructure investments into core research areas and institute-wide support for discovery, application, and deployment functions. It also provides a venue for students to discover and explore disruptive innovations. This paper explores the similarities and differences between systems engineering in an industry setting and in the implementation of a university-based research strategy. Examples are cited from ongoing research in robotics, energy systems, health care technology, and advanced manufacturing.