Performance Audit

1
Performance Audit

• Montana University System
• Research and Development

2
Introduction

• Research and Development (RD)
• Technology Transfer
• Prioritized by the Legislative Audit Committee
  for the 2005 biennium
• Audit objectives addressed
• Whether the MUS manages RD resources and funding
  effectively.
• If the MUS has an efficient and effective process
  for protecting and commercializing services,
  products, or creative works created through RD.
• The impact of MUS RD and technology transfer
  activities on the states economy.

3
MUS Research Expenditures
4
Research Administration
Recommendation 1 The Board of Regents should
ensure consistent reporting of data relating to
research activities on MUS campuses. Recommendat
ion 2 The Board of Regents should coordinate
the use of information systems within research
administration functions. Recommendation
3 The University of Montana-Missoula should
assign pre-award staff by departmental
specialization. Recommendation 4 The
University System should develop and implement
mandatory training addressing core elements and
provide additional training as needed.
5
Congressional Appropriations
MUS Congressional Earmarks and Lobbying
Expenditures Fiscal Year 1990 to Fiscal Year 2006
6
Congressional Appropriations

• Receive no competitive review
• Currently receive no review from the Board
• Earmarks have become a more important source of
  research funding
• Recommendation 5
• The Montana Board of Regents should address its
  role in the process of direct congressional
  appropriations.

7
Technology Transfer Functions

• Recommendation 6
• The Board of Regents should revise timeframes
  for technology transfer processes outlined in
  policy number 401.2.
• Recommendation 7
• The Board of Regents should review and refine
  methodologies for capitalizing intellectual
  property as intangible assets.
• Recommendation 8
• The University System should ensure technology
  transfer issues receive sufficient emphasis in
  training provision through mandatory and optional
  training.
• Recommendation 9
• The Board of Regents should develop a
  system-wide approach to technology transfer
  issues.

8
Economic Impact

• Incentives to encourage invention disclosure

9
Economic Impact

• Direct Support for Salaries and Benefits
• Two-thirds of total expenditures
• MSU for FY05 expended 66 million of research
  expenditures on salaries and benefits
• Graduate and Undergraduate Students
• 90 of PIs believe research provides
  opportunities for students
• 52 of PIs had former students benefit from
  employment opportunities
• MUS Links with the Private Sector
• Access to facilities and equipment
• Over 100 licenses

10
Performance Audit

• Montana University System
• Research and Development