Lately, it seems, to talk about the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) is to talk specifically about the dollars and cents of the Center’s future. Their research and education programs or their impact on the fluid power industry are all worthy, but ultimately, supplemental conversation points. With the National Science Foundation’s funding of the CCEFP already decreasing and set to be finished by the end of March 2016, this is understandable. Half of the CCEFPs budget comes from the NSF.
But during a CCEFP webcast on April 22, 2015, the tone was optimistic. University of Minnesota professor and CCEFP Director Kim Stelson said that there were, “lean times ahead,” but that the organization will be okay. By placing a heavy focus on unprecedented collaboration between the National Fluid Power Association and the CCEFP, both organizations see complete sustainability in the next few years.
Months after launching a new giving and recognition society within the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation, the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and the CCEFP have formed a collaborative, staffing plan to provide administrative support for those activities and to better promote the fluid power industry.
“There is a lot of alignment between the activities of the CCEFP and the marketing and education objectives of the NFPA,” said Eric Lanke, NFPA CEO. “Fluid power research performed by CCEFP universities not only develops additional teaching resources and connects more students to our industry, it helps to expand fluid power’s innovation capacity. Promoting CCEFP research objectives and outcomes can therefore improve the image of our technology in the minds of our customers and of our industry in the minds of aspiring engineers.”
The staffing plan has been designed to combine the inherent strengths and resources of both organizations. The CCEFP plans to increase its focus on research, education and a more integrated connection to the better resourced marketing and communication functions of the NFPA.
“It’s truly a win-win for both organizations,” said Stelson. “As the Center transitions away from NSF funding, this administrative collaboration with the NFPA will help us both broaden the industry’s awareness of our activities and deepen our impact on its behalf. I’m really excited about the added potential this collaboration brings to both organizations.”
Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power
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