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It is our vision to transform existing one-dimensional collaborations in research, technology,
education, and commerce, now serving the Broadband Wireless Communications
industry in the Delaware Valley region, into a multi-dimensional Integrated
Community of Partners pursuing common objectives. The PI is Barry Johnson,
Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering at Villanova University, the lead
institution. The Partnership base, developed by Villanova and active since
1990, will grow into a new structure designed to benefit an entire community
of users, not just a few sponsoring companies. The distinguishing feature
is the inclusion of the Ben Franklin organization as a principal partner
to make technology commercialization and economic development co-equal with
the goals of research and education.
Goals
The Partnership is designed to create and disseminate new knowledge,
to prepare a technologically capable workforce, and to develop the entrepreneurial
community and infrastructure for progress in innovations by this knowledge
workforce. The Partnership for Broadband Wireless will achieve the goals
of: (1) technology development and core research by the University partners,
interacting with supporting Federal Laboratories and large corporations;
(2) educational diversification through focused enrichment projects with
Community College and High School partners, and educational outreach through
advanced engineering training programs with industry partners; and (3) applied
research and technology commercialization resulting from Ben Franklin's
investment initiatives for growth-oriented small and medium companies.
Focus
The Partnership's focus is Broadband Wireless Technology, which has and
continues to redefine how we live our lives. Within this broad area, there
are three key interrelated technologies that are integral to all wireless
systems: Smart Antennas, Low-Profile Antennas, and Thermal Management. The
intellectual merit comes from advances in core research in these areas and
in the formulation and organization of a unique partnership model. Smart
antennas will utilize the capability to transmit and receive using multiple
antennas to significantly increase the system capacity and meet the demand
of high data rates. Low-profile antennas create opportunities for efficient
low-cost, low-weight designs for portable wireless devices. Thermal management
innovations are needed to handle heat dissipation for the high power density
devices in next generation wireless systems. The proposed Partnership model
allows immediate and wide applications for the three core research areas
within Broadband Wireless technologies, and creates a community utilizing
research, technology, education, and commerce in these areas to leverage
the resources of the individual partners. The model is based on participation
of partners representing academic institutions, private sector, community
colleges and high school, National Laboratories, and a State agency.
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Acknowledgement
We gratefully acknowledge the Partnerships for Innovation program at
the National Science Foundation as our grant source. This program promotes
innovation by bringing together colleges and universities, State and local
governments, private sector firms, and nonprofit organizations to form partnerships
that support innovation in their communities by developing the people, tools,
and infrastructure needed to connect new scientific discoveries to practical
uses. The NSF PFI Program Director is Dr. John C. Hurt.
News
Ben Franklin/Villanova university Proposal Awarded $600,000 Grant
Grant will help 'Nova with center expansion
Inquiries
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