UEDA Innovation Network Hosts University of Utah

Strategic Pivoting: How Universities Can Pivot to Turn Challenges into Opportunities with the University of Utah 

RECAP

The webinar explored what pivoting looks like in a university innovation context, noting that it differs significantly from startup environments. While startups often pivot as a matter of survival, universities typically don’t face that kind of immediate crisis. Instead, their pivots are more akin to those of large corporations – slow, strategic, and designed for long-term transformation rather than short-term fixes. The need for change is often internal and operational, rather than driven by market failure.

Identifying when a university needs to pivot can be difficult, and sometimes starting over might seem easier. However, strategic pivots within existing systems can yield greater value over time. In one example, when Bruce joined the university, he discovered inefficient business processes and a lack of customer-focused operations. It took about a year to reengineer systems to better serve stakeholders, reflecting the longer timelines typical in large institutions. Still, a shared lesson with startups is the importance of focusing on what the customer – or in this case, students, faculty, and partners – actually needs.

To successfully implement new innovation strategies, Bruce emphasized the importance of looking outward: learning from peers who are excelling and borrowing effective practices. Troy highlighted the need to secure leadership buy-in and develop measurable goals to track and share progress. Communicating the vision and results across campus helps build support and understanding. Both speakers stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of change: one that embraces experimentation, collaboration, and a willingness to try new approaches.

A key success story shared was the University of Utah’s transformation. Once not recognized for its biotech or startup strengths, the university made a deliberate pivot to build an innovation-focused ecosystem. Through strategic prioritization and proactive technology commercialization, it established itself as a leader in biotechnology. The case demonstrated that with vision, commitment, and a willingness to evolve, universities can significantly elevate their innovation profiles.

Meet the Presenters

Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer, University of Utah

Bruce leads the dedicated team at Technology Licensing Office in transforming academic research into practical solutions, with a focus on bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application. With many years expertise in tech transfer, Bruce is committed to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build a thriving innovative culture and ecosystem at the University of Utah. Guided by a strategic vision and a faculty first mindset, Bruce continuously adapts the office to emerging trends, shaping a future where innovation drives positive change within and beyond academia.

Troy D’Ambrosio, Vice President of Innovation, Executive Director at Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute; Assistant Dean, David Eccles School of Business