Here’s a quick recap of news, information and events relevant to the mission and vision of KU Innovation Park.
Innovation has trust issues, but business can help
Each year, Edelman shares its trust barometer, a look at what entities society trusts (or doesn’t). And while innovation offers the next generation of prosperity and growth, it has a bit of a trust problem as we enter 2024.
- By a nearly two-to-one margin, respondents believe innovation could be better managed, mainly because they see that scientific fields are under political pressure like never before.
- However, people believe scientists are essential to society accepting innovation. Businesses are trusted to ensure these innovations are safe, understood and accessible.
Why it matters: It’s not all bad news, and entities can work toward restoring that trust in a few ways.
- The role of business is vital to this work. “Business is the most trusted to introduce innovation to society, with an emphasis on partnering with government,” the report states.
- To embrace change, people want to feel in control over how these new ideas affect their lives.
- Innovation is more likely to be welcomed if people feel it will lead to a better future. Communication is vital to increasing transparency and explaining the positive impact.
Need guidance on communicating your company’s impact? KU Innovation Park can help.
Park Company News
- Argenta recently combined its legacy brands under the Argenta name to further advance animal health. The company’s campaign is called “One Brand, One Vision.”
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ligand Pharma’s at-home viral skin infection treatment earlier this month. It’s the first at-home medication for a highly contagious skin infection called molluscum contagiosum, which is caused by a poxvirus.
- Our companies are hiring. Check out our jobs board to see if your skills are needed at the Park.
Startup Support
- The I-Corps at NIH program is accepting applications through the end of January. This free eight-week program is an entrepreneurship training experience designed for companies that received SBIR/STTR funding from the NIH and the CDC.
- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office launched the Patent Public Search, a new web-based patent search application that will replace legacy search tools. Check it out here.
What We’re Reading
- Brookings: How federal, state, and local leaders can leverage the CHIPS and Science Act as a landmark workforce opportunity
- UIDP: Innovation Intersections: The Role of Spinouts in the Research Ecosystem
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.