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Global CONNECT

Global CONNECT™ offers customized workshops through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies for clients in the dynamic and challenging world of technology commercialization, innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them chart a path forward, discover new insights and build stronger networks.

Global CONNECT's teams of experts are selected from world-class innovation ecosystems like San Diego and Silicon Valley. Global CONNECT is proud to partner with the entrepreneurs, scientists, investors and other members of these vibrant communities to share knowledge, experience and strategies. Global CONNECT works closely with each client, providing a hands-on education and training program designed specifically for them.

Meet

We match innovative leaders, guest speakers and company visits to each client’s needs and objectives. The program provides a platform for participants to share ideas and network with experts.

Experience

Participants are immersed in the entrepreneurial culture of each region they visit. This experience provides insights into how successful innovation ecosystems work and what lessons can be applied.

Learn

Our team of experts lead workshops and seminars on issues related to moving a technology to market and growing a successful business. Each workshop emphasizes putting theory into practice.
By drawing on the success of San Diego’s economic transformation and knowledge of best practices from around the world, Global CONNECT assists governments, companies and universities in building the capacity necessary to compete in a global knowledge-based economy.

Global CONNECT programs are custom-designed to meet the specific needs of its clients. Content, instructors, subject-matter experts and site visits are arranged based on defined topics. Additional aspects such as accommodations, chartered transportation and meals may be arranged.

Services

California Marketing

This two-week program in San Diego and Silicon Valley covers a range of topics related to understanding key aspects of identifying, accessing and adapting to markets.
Life Sciences

Life Sciences Professional Development Program

This program exposes participants to topics critical to starting and growing a company in a complex environment of technology issues, regulatory affairs and intensive capital requirements.
Technology Commercialization

Technology Commercialization Training Program

Global CONNECT and UC San Diego's Institute for the Global Entrepreneur provide one- to two-week training programs on issues related to moving early-stage technologies from the lab to the market.

Global CONNECT was founded in 2003 as a sister organization to the regionally focused CONNECT program at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Global CONNECT initially provided consulting and research services to clients who strived to foster economic change in their regions. Over time, these services evolved into specialized programs as clients increasingly sought first-hand insights into technology commercialization and innovation. In 2005, CONNECT spun out of the university as an independent nonprofit organization while Global CONNECT remains a part of UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. CONNECT and Global CONNECT continue to work closely together.

Nathan Owens, Director
As director of Global CONNECT, Nathan leads the development of full-service, customized education and training programs in partnership with instructors, experts and skilled practitioners to create unique and informative experiences.

Before becoming director of the organization, Nathan oversaw projects that helped clients gain a better understanding of their regional innovations system’s assets and capabilities, with a particular emphasis on the social and cultural norms that enable or inhibit innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, Nathan worked as a research analyst for a Washington, D.C., consulting firm where he assisted Japan-based clients on issues related to U.S. science and technology policy as well as market trends in the information technology and telecommunications industries. Nathan holds a master’s degree in Science, Technology, and Public Policy from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC San Diego.

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In response and inspired by the success of CONNECT, several regions have created initiatives similar to CONNECT. Global CONNECT assists this network and, in turn, the enterprises they serve to connect with resources in other regions around the world.

Americas

Atlánticonnect
BioCrossroads
CONNECT w/SDVG
CONNECT Bogotá Región
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
Global Midwest Alliance
InSoCal CONNECT
MaRS Discovery District
Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center
Montréal InVivo
OCTANe
Ontario Centres of Excellence
UC Davis InnovationAccess

Asia

Bioeconomy Corporation
INNOPOLIS Foundation
EGG Japan
Keio SIV Entrepreneur Laboratory

Europe

Catalyst
CONNECT Denmark
CONNECT Latvija
CONNECT Norge
CONNECT Sverige
CONNECT Switzerland
CONNECT Yorkshire
Munich Network
SETsquared Partnership

Middle East

Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship

Oceania

ANU Connect Ventures
Cicada Innovations

From Border Barriers to Bi-National Promise (2014)

Written in partnership with Richard Florida’s Creative Class Group, this report argues that a “frictionless” U.S.-Mexico border that better facilitates economic and social interaction while maintaining security would greatly benefit both countries. 
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Unraveling the Social and Cultural Dynamics of Regional Innovation Systems (2013)

Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, this study explored the role intermediary organizations play in supporting the growth of regional innovation systems in Philadelphia, St. Louis and San Diego.
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Biotechnology Cluster Project: San Diego Analysis (2010)

The U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney commissioned Global CONNECT to examine several key issues related to the growth of San Diego’s successful biotechnology sector. The findings contributed to a benchmarking study of Australia’s emerging biotech clusters.
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BioCrossroads Report: Warsaw Indiana: The Orthopedics Capital of the World (2009)

Global CONNECT assisted BioCrossroads with their analysis of the opportunities and challenges faced by the orthopedic device cluster centered in the rural town of Warsaw, Indiana. The results contributed to the development of several strategic initiatives, including the formation of a new industry organization, OrthoWorx.
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Global CONNECT™ Contact

Nathan Owens

Nathan Owens

     (858) 534-8638         nowens@ucsd.edu  

Mailing Address

Global CONNECT™ UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs 9500 Gilman Dr. MC 0170-T La Jolla, CA 92093-0170

Location

Global CONNECT™ offices are in Suite A-204 (top floor) of the La Jolla Professional Center, next to the south end of the UC San Diego Campus. Click here for maps and driving directions.