Global CONNECT

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.

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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