About the Commercialization Leadership Council

Background

K-State is fostering an ever increasing entrepreneurial culture, and individual K-State colleges are involved to varying degrees. In some instances, affiliated not-for-profit and for-profit ventures are needed to enhance or augment K-State mission-directed activities and to expand the commercialization opportunities available to faculty, staff, and students.

The Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) and the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization (NISTAC) are K-State affiliated entities involved in the protection and commercialization of intellectual property. The CLC will assist the KSURF and NISTAC Boards in coordinating K-State commercialization initiatives by providing on-campus leadership and oversight. The CLC will ensure that these initiatives are encouraged and supported institution-wide, while helping to manage potential and perceived conflict of interest issues.

The Kansas State University Research Foundation and the National Institute for Strategic Techology Acquisition and Commercialization are establishing the Kansas State University Commercialization Leadersship Council under the "Special Councils" provision, Article III, of the KSURF Bylaws. Consistent with Article III, the purpose is "to promote the the scientific and commercial value of inventions, discoveries, processes, and other developments." The "administrative sub-division of Kansas State University" embodied by the CLC is the Central Administration, with representation from the Council of Deans.

One or more Sub-Councils maya be created to help implement CLC policies and procedures if the magnitude and administrative complexity of the campus commercialization activities so warrant. Such Sub-Councils would be established under the auspices of the CLC and would report to the CLC.