How Building a Strong Network Helps Foster Business Innovation at Lehigh University
Introduction
Lehigh University is one of the premier private research universities in the US, with a long-standing reputation for delivering top-notch education and research opportunities. The university has been at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, and fostering business innovation has been one of its primary objectives.
One of the key factors that have contributed to Lehigh University’s success in fostering business innovation is its strong network of industry partners, alumni, and other stakeholders. In this blog post, we will explore how building a strong network can help foster business innovation at Lehigh University, with real-world examples and insights into the university’s approach.
The Benefits of Building a Strong Network
Building a strong network has many benefits for businesses, and Lehigh University is no exception. By establishing relationships with industry partners and stakeholders, the university is able to leverage their expertise and resources to support research and innovation initiatives. Some of the benefits of building a strong network include:
– Access to expertise: Through partnerships with industry experts, Lehigh can access specialized knowledge and skill sets, which can help drive innovation and research forward.
– Resource sharing: Building strong relationships with stakeholders can help the university access resources that it would otherwise not have, such as funding, infrastructure, and equipment.
– Increased visibility: A strong network can help increase visibility and raise awareness of the university’s research work, which can lead to new funding opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
Real-World Examples
One example of how building a strong network has helped foster business innovation at Lehigh University is the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation. The institute works to identify and support innovative ideas and entrepreneurship within the Lehigh community, leveraging a strong network of industry experts, mentors, and alumni.
Another example is the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter program, which is a partnership between Lehigh and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. The program offers a range of resources and programming to support Lehigh start-ups, including access to industry experts, mentorship opportunities, and targeted training.
The Role of Alumni
Another critical factor behind Lehigh University’s success in fostering business innovation is its strong alumni network. Lehigh graduates hold key positions within many industries, and their success serves as a testament to the quality of education and training that they received at the university. By leveraging this powerful network, Lehigh is able to connect current students with alumni mentors, access funding for research initiatives, and strengthen relationships with industry partners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a strong network is critical to fostering business innovation at Lehigh University. By establishing strong relationships with industry partners, alumni, and other stakeholders, the university is able to access resources, expertise, and funding that can help support research and innovation initiatives. As Lehigh continues to build and expand its network, it will undoubtedly continue to be a leader in innovative research and entrepreneurship.
