Our commitment to green research
Economy
In today's market how many investments generate at least a 7:1 rate of return? For every dollar invested in Binghamton University during the next decade, $7 will be returned to the state economy and $6 to the local economy — delivering an annual economic impact of more than $1 billion and transforming every $1 million in direct University spending into 22 jobs in New York state.
Binghamton University’s faculty contribute to this return on investment – their research and scholarly activities contribute an estimated $40 million per year to the local and state economies. In fact, Binghamton’s research growth rate is among the highest for universities in New York, and our patent applications have nearly tripled in three years.
For just a few examples of how our research fuels the economy, read on.
- Global markets start at the University’s biotechnology center, opened in fall 2006. Activities there are a significant contributor to the economic future of the region and the state, providing equipment and services for faculty research and start-up companies. Already, there are four fledgling companies in the start-up suites, with several more in the pipeline and a goal to launch two new startups into the world each year.
- The University’s national reputation for excellence helps to secure federal and state appropriations to support research, including $4 million in federal funds for the Center for Autonomous Solar Power, which focuses on tapping the sun’s supply of renewable energy, making it more accessible as a flexible, large-area and low-cost power source.
- Hard work, dedication and vision laid the groundwork for Binghamton University’s Center of Excellence (COE) designation, awarded in 2006 to its already successful Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging Center. With continuing support, the COE promises to enhance economic vitality through breakthrough research in electronics manufacturing and packaging by:
- supporting multidisciplinary teams that will spawn the innovations that will turn promising ideas into marketable products;
- developing electronic applications for use in medical diagnostics and treatment, defense and homeland security, flexible displays and electronics, computers and telecommunications, and a broad range of new or improved consumer products;
- partnering with Endicott Interconnect Technologies, BAE Systems, General Electric, IBM, Kodak, Lockheed Martin, Universal Instruments and the United States Display Consortium among others to change the face of the electronics industry over the next decade.
- Our faculty members are conducting research that may one day ease the troubling side effects of Parkinson’s disease treatment, protect your laptop computer from damage if it falls and revolutionize the way you search for information on the Web.
- Other experts are challenging commonly accepted views of topics such as economic history, youth violence, caring for the elderly and the way we understand decision making and teams.
- Binghamton research expenditures grew by 3% in 2007-08, bucking a national trend of flat or even falling figures. In addition, awards to our researchers rose by more than 20% last year.
