Clarkson’s Collins touts business ventures to senators

WASHINGTON — New York seems to be ahead of other states on combining the efforts of universities and businesses to boost the economy, Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins said after talking with Democratic senators Wednesday.

Mr. Collins was among representatives of about a dozen states who met with the Senate’s Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee to offer ideas to create jobs and rejuvenate the economy. In a telephone interview, Mr. Collins said he was the only university president in the room and made the case for joint efforts with private industry. He came at the invitation of Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

Mr. Collins said he made a case for colleges and universities to invest in new companies and so-called “incubators” that give new high-tech companies a start — while protecting the institutions’ nonprofit status. Clarkson, for instance, has a business incubator where it rents space to C Speed LLC, an electronics manufacturer.

He said he was the only panelist who appeared to be thinking about statewide collaboration between universities and businesses.

The Democrats’ committee helps guide the party on policy, and the recommendations could play a part in legislation backed by the Democratic leadership.

The closed meeting lasted about two hours, Mr. Collins said. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid, D-Nev., made opening remarks, he said. and Mrs. Gillibrand and Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., also attended.

Participants took turns offering ideas and commenting on ideas offered by other panelists. “I think in a short period of time they got a lot of input,” he said.

Mr. Collins is also a co-chairman of the North Country Regional Economic Council.