In recent years there has been a major shift in the interest and focus of MCEC's industrial partners. Where the earlier focus was on research breakthroughs and the generation of new knowledge, there is now considerable emphasis on transferring innovative technology to the commercial arena. MCEC researchers have been successful in crossing that threshold in a number of cases. Everyone benefits when a new technology is demonstrated in a practical environment. University faculty members see real proof of a research theory.
Manufacturers improve productivity by the use of new sensor and control systems.
Equipment vendors who incorporated the technologies in commercial products gain an advantage over competitors. Even MCEC government sponsors are now tracking commercial success as they begin to focus on research deliverables. Mutual benefits has been the objective and MCEC is fortunate to have effective licensing offices at UTK and OSU to facilitate negotiations.