h3. Name  of concept: Market-focused product development


h3. Overview  of   idea:

To succeed and thrive in the future, I believe RIT needs to be more market-focused in its product (academic program) development. Rather than reacting to current trends, RIT needs to have a process in place to look at future trends and react accordingly. We're positioned well for some of these trends (energy, medical technology, sustainability), but not in others. For example, the world's increasing demand for pure water which is not currently sustainable, and climate change - how can RIT research and technology address these?  Perhaps an individual or group of individuals at RIT set up to study future trends and recommend applicable programs can be effective.  RIT's current process of program development seems too near-sighted and dependent upon the views of a few faculty members who conduct quick feasibility analysis.  Perhaps even a curriculum on the study of world trends and their impact on society would be marketable.


h3. How     this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise:

I believe most, if not all, of the future trends will require products and solutions involving the use of technology.  In addition, successfully managing and planning for dealing with these trends will require the brainpower of tomorrow's leaders who we are preparing today.

h3. Identify     the main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea:

I think effective, long-term program planning needs to be championed at the highest levels - the President, Provost.

h3. Identify     additional on-campus champions willing to collaborate with this     individual and take a lead role in driving the idea:

Haven't identified any.

h3. Identify     the potential off-campus individual, organization, company or     government entity advocate(s):

No

h3. How  you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an  important or emerging field:

If RIT does not look beyond immediate trends, we will be left behind other Universities that do.  By developing a reputation for forward thinking, RIT would naturally advance its national and global stature.  Being "ahead of the curve" rather than behind it or just riding the current wave would be considered "innovative".

h3. Why  you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate  itself through this idea:

I am sure there are a few Universities already doing this, but RIT can position itself as a big fish in a small pond.  Plus, our career-focused approach would differentiate us from others - students could go out on co-ops to organizations involved in studying world trends.  Students with knowledge of what their futures might bring are better prepared to plan to address these changes.
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