Partnerships or collaborations are mutually beneficial and essential in fostering University actions that make a difference in the community and in ensuring that community resources support the University. The thrust of JVIC is increased technology transfer through innovation and partnership with science and technology communities. Likewise, the aim of the professional medical and teacher education arms of Missouri State University can only function in a close relationship with their respective community counterparts which extend the University learning environment and provide opportunities to advance the state of knowledge in these professions. Key tactics that will be employed to achieve the objectives for Partners for Progress are:
- Technology transfer – Technology transfer and commercialization will continue to be developed by strengthening relationships and joint services among MSU, the Missouri Technology Corporation and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
- Innovation center – Springfield Innovation, Inc. will be strengthened to ensure it is a major contributor in the statewide network of innovation centers.
- Leverage University funds with private development – Locate selected University facilities and programs in IDEA Commons to stimulate private investment and promote economic expansion.
- Integrated programs – Integrate activities of the Small Business Development Center, Springfield Innovation, Inc., and other related University programs in the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development.
- School partnerships – The University will expand its efforts to seek external funding in partnership with school districts for the purpose of quality improvement in rural education.
- Medical community – In the first year of the plan a working group will be established to determine avenues to expand Missouri State-medical facility partnerships beyond education internships.