SRI International Announces Collaboration with Polish R&D Agency

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SRI International today announced a long-term project with the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), a Polish R&D agency focused on performance in the area of science and technology policies. As part of the project, SRI will collaborate with NCBR on problem-driven research that fosters breakthrough innovation in Poland.

The project will extend for three and a half years, during which time the SRI/NCBR team will design and implement a series of "Grand Challenges" and a program for advanced research projects. There are two key goals: develop breakthrough technologies that address large and complex problems and build a community of scientists and researchers willing to take calculated risks in search of big innovation payoffs.

"The U.S. has achieved significant technology breakthroughs as a result of the Advanced Research Projects model and its unique approach to identifying and pursuing new technical solutions to challenging problems," said Leszek Grabarczyk, Deputy Director of the NCBR. "Poland is eager to benefit from this proven approach in order to maximize the impact and benefits of homegrown technologies."

"In order to serve as an engine of Europe's growing innovation economy, Poland needs to invest in advanced research that fosters science and technology breakthroughs," said Stephen Ciesinski, President, SRI International. "The goal of the project is to unlock Poland's full innovation potential, and we look forward to partnering with NCBR on this unique initiative."

SRI is one of the largest innovation centers in the world, with a 70-year track record of technology-based achievements. SRI teams have been selected many times to successfully perform work for government-sponsored-advanced research agencies.

During the first fifteen months of the project, the SRI-NCBR team will select and train the first class of program managers and end-user liaisons in all the requirements of advanced research in order to develop a strong organizational culture and program ethic. After the first class of program managers go to work, SRI will help ensure their success through ongoing advice and mentoring. The SRI and NCBR team will go on to collaborate on the recruitment, training and mentorship of two more classes of program managers. 

About SRI International
SRI International creates world-changing solutions making people safer, healthier, and more productive. SRI, a research center headquartered in Menlo Park, California, works primarily in advanced technology and systems, biosciences, computing, and education. SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, spin-off ventures and new product solutions.

About The National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD)
The National Centre for Research and Development is the implementing agency of the Minister of Science and Higher Education in Poland. It was appointed in the summer 2007 as an entity in charge of the performance of the tasks within the area of national science, science and technology and innovation policies.  When if was founded, it was the first entity of this type, created as the platform of an effective dialogue between the scientific and business communities.

SOURCE SRI International

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