ENLIGHTENMENT: George Baxter on Aggie Square and Innovation in Higher Ed

Hi, it’s Vanessa, your ENLIGHTENMENT host.

On May 2, Aggie Square, the $1.1 billion innovation center UC Davis built in Oak Park, had its grand opening. Now the man in charge of it, George Baxter, can work on his mandate: turning UC Davis research into marketable products and services that benefit society and bring money back to the university.

A native of Scotland, Baxter joined UC Davis last year in the new role of chief innovation and economic development officer. He led research and science projects for universities and government in the United Kingdom, and most recently served as CEO of the University of Edinburgh’s innovation arm. Now he’s bringing his skills across the pond to expand UC Davis from its traditional teaching/research roles to becoming an innovator, entrepreneur and business creator.

With the Trump Administration cutting off a lot of federal funding to Higher Ed, and with our state’s budget in a deficit, California colleges and universities need to do something different so they can stay solvent. How is Baxter going to help UC Davis do it? And how will his management of Aggie Square benefit us in Sacramento?Join me for a talk with George Baxter about Aggie Square, his plans for innovation and monetization, and what’s going to happen with university research and funding.

Bring your questions — nothing’s too small or too dumb to ask.

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Ruhstaller BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha and N/A beverages. Please feel free to BYO food.

Transportation Options include:* Hourly street parking meters along L Street* Covered/outdoor parking garages on L Street/Kayak Alley between 7th and 8th Street ($12)* City garages: Capitol Garage at 1129 10th St. and City Hall Garage at 917 10th St. ($7)* Light rail transit: Ruhstaller is super close to stops on the Blue, Green and Gold lines

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