January 16-17, 2003

ITEM 118-1501-R0103  Approval to Establish the Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprise Technical Development Center; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana Tech of The University of Montana to establish the Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprise Technical Development Center (RAVE TDC) to advance the mission of the Montana University System by increasing knowledge and improving the economy of the State of Montana through use of collaborative methodologies.

EXPLANATION: Montana Tech of The University of Montana has been awarded a Partnership for Innovation grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The two-year grant for $599,419 is intended to fund the Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprise (RAVE). RAVE is an existing partnership of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) focusing on high-tech manufacturing, the forest products industry, and distributed generation. RAVE also proposes to develop a partnership with the Montana Department of Emergency Services (DES) to streamline information flow among the agencies responsible for local, regional, and national safety. RAVE's mission includes the use of collaborative methodologies derived from the NSF-funded Agile Manufacturing Project (AMP). These methodologies give SMBs the ability to efficiently combine core competencies to achieve and sustain competitive advantages in a world economy increasingly dominated by network technologies.

Montana Tech of The University of Montana will partner with the Montana State Department of Commerce, Montana State University-Northern, Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, S&K Electronics, S&K Community College, and Lincoln Electric Company to establish the Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprise Technical Development Center. This collaborative venture will provide a vital link between the Montana University System (MUS) and private industry, including tribally-owned companies. The RAVE TDC is an essential component of the overall Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprise.

The completed signature page resides on file at the President's Office, The University of Montana-Missoula.