Bruce W. Carlson has been named special assistant for economic development, a new position reflecting the University's renewed emphasis on private sector partnering and technology transfer.

He comes to UConn from the Office of Policy and Management, where he was most recently policy development director.

Carlson will coordinate the University's economic development activities and develop strategies to stimulate the transfer of the University's technologies into the private sector. He will also promote the University's role in public and private endeavors aimed at creating economic growth in Connecticut.

Besides undergraduate and graduate education, the University plays an important role in creating and sustaining a strong economic climate in the state. The economy is positively influenced through University research, academic programs in fields of high demand, and collaborations with government and business.

Carlson will report to President Philip E. Austin and Health Center Chancellor Leslie S. Cutler, chair of the Center for Science and Technology Commercialization Advisory Committee. He will split his time between the Storrs campus and the Health Center in Farmington.

"UConn has many contributions to make," President Austin said. "Bruce Carlson's background in the state's economic development efforts will help facilitate those contributions. Bruce will help us link what we are doing to the immediate and long-term economic needs of the state of Connecticut." he said.

Carlson, of West Hartford, has extensive experience in economic development. During his career, he has worked on all phases of economic development initiatives, from planning to enabling legislation. He is a founder and board member of Connecticut Innovations, the quasi-governmental agency providing business incubation and start-up financing.

"Having Bruce on board is a winning situation for all concerned," said Cutler, the Health Center's chancellor, "the University, the state and the business community. We now have a go-to person, skilled in the nuances of economic development - from planning to capitalization."