The Cosmic Background Imager - an interferometer at 5,080 metres (16,700 feet) at the Atacama desert's Llano de Chajnantor Observatory

Science Advocacy 

One can argue that our quest for, and promotion of, rational thinking has rarely been more salient. Too many either ignore or misunderstand the benefits of the scientific method and the discoveries basic and applied research have produced.

• Many  iPhone owners have no concept of the fact that this device would not exist without the fundamental and applied research that produced transistors, integrated circuits, cellular communications, GPS, LEDs, and a host of other technologies we now take for granted.
• Most blue-sky research is supported by our tax dollars and just as we must press our government to defend this essential endeavor, we must strive to explain these pursuits to all stake-holders, including the press and citizens at all level of society.

At NASA Goddard, with Neil Gehrels, Nolan Gasser, and Peter Michelson

Technology Transfer 

Developing, marketing and licensing intellectual property successfully is an essential component of technology transfer expertise.

• This requires deep understanding of the value, leveraging and prosecution of patents and trademarks.
• IP licensing has many faceted components: up-front payments, royalties, minimums, sub-licensing shares, exclusive vs non-exclusive.  
• Technology transfer brings many other benefits: increases competitiveness, makes the organization more visible, attracts talent and research funding, serves as a showcase, brings the technology to industry, and helps in creating jobs.
  

At the Great Refractor (completed 1888) at Lick Observatory

Stakeholders, Alliances & Partnerships

Often ignored, the identification and promotion of cross-pollinating opportunities and collaborations can produce meaningful results and unexpected positive returns.

• Whether in academia, business or not-for-profit, experts should be brought out of their silos to identify and cooperate towards a common objective while promoting the organization’s ethos.
• A crucial success factor is in convincing all involved into looking in the same direction, and working towards a common objective.
• One must engage stakeholders to conceptualize their role and their benefits in advancing the project and organizational goals.
  

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Business Strategy

A sound strategy must be grounded on sound forecasting and the understanding of the big picture (industry, technology, and market trends). 

• Only within that context, can one develop a strategy and execution road-map to achieve the organization’s goals.
• When required, one needs to be prepared to propose a mission pivot for the benefit of the larger vision.
• This must be followed by the judicious leveraging of the current assets (people, IP, goodwill, capital) and the identification and acquisition of missing means to meet the objectives.