search

UMD     This Site





Dr. Darryll Pines, Dean of the Clark School of Engineering and Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Dr. Darryll Pines, Dean of the Clark School of Engineering and Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering

 

In an op-ed that was published on April 18, 2013 in the Baltimore Sun, Dean of the University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering and Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering Dr. Darryll Pines points out the impact that competitions and prizes can have on innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

"Many ideas have emerged from government, industry and academia regarding how best to inspire and support innovation," he writes in the piece. "But nothing spurs creativity and innovation more than a combination of incentive and challenge: a reward for achievement, combined with the urgency of a dare to succeed and the reality that we must race against others. We are at our best when we compete."

He goes on to point out that "the aerospace industry presents a compelling case study of the considerable impact that prizes and competitions can have" in promoting innovation and economic development, especially in fields like unmanned aerial systems and commercial space travel. For instance, following the Ansari X Prize, "a number of commercial space companies emerged to support the demand for launch services, satellite development, space science and education, and space tourism."

Dr. Pines also points out the positive impact that the American Helicopter Society Sikorsky Prize has had in fueling the University of Maryland Gamera human-powered helicopter student team's drive to innovate and succeed.

He concludes in the piece that "if our goal is to truly inspire and support innovation, we should work together to create more high-value prizes in areas where this work is needed most urgently."

To read the op-ed in its entirety, visit: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-science-prizes-20130417,0,3148111.story



April 19, 2013


«Previous Story  

 

 

Current Headlines

ECE Alum Vikram Manikonda Named Professor of the Practice

Clark School Seed Grant Awards Announced

New Research Helps Robots Grasp Situational Context

Ghodssi Awarded Distinguished University Professor Title

Professor Emeritus Dana Nau Publishes New AI Book

MATRIX Interns Overcome Setbacks and Succeed

UMD Student Improves Speech-Brain Analysis with Automated Word Alignment Tools

MATRIX Facilities and Talent Featured in New Video

ISR Alum Quoted in CNN, WSJ on AI Risks

MATRIX Lab Hires Assistant Director for Research Development

 
 
Back to top  
Home Clark School Home UMD Home