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Operating Model

Similar to the CDI strategy, ASCEND will manage a portfolio of workshops and technical assistance activities. The primary focus of generating NSF centers in EPSCoR jurisdictions will be augmented with a focus of engagement and interaction with the NSF EPSCoR Office and the EPSCoR community.

Consulting and Technical Assistance Strategy

ASCEND will pursue an experimental "partnership mode" by providing centers development technical assistance services in collaboration with university (and/or jurisdiction) research leadership (e.g., PIs, Deans, Vice Presidents for Research, State EPSCoR Project Directors) who have the authority to support the costs of external science and technology experts. ASCEND will work with stakeholders to innovate joint-venture mechanisms across all technical assistance activities and will explore this challenge via the Leadership Retreat on Centers Development Investment Strategies planned for year 2 of the project.

While CDI's investments in centers development technical assistance were intended to supplement those made by institutions (and jurisdictions, as relevant) developing center plans and proposals, ASCEND will require such investments: (1) to more actively engage university (and jusdiction) leadership and investment in technical assistance activities, (2) to align ASCEND's efforts more closely with university and jurisdiction strategic scientific directions, and (3) to accelerate ASCEND's trajectory towards self-sustainability.

ASCEND will use NSF funds to support the technical assistance costs associated with ASCEND's Core Team (PIs and Senior Associates) and national workshops. Universities seeking ASCEND assistance for specific center competitions will be asked to support the costs of external experts (drawn from the network of experts developed during the CDI grant) and additional experts if required. Via this strategy, ASCEND — working with the NSF EPSCoR Office, EPSCoR universities, and EPSCoR jurisdictions — will aim to stimulate the academic culture to appreciate and invest in research development consulting for improved competitiveness. More information about the ASCEND operating model can be found by clicking on "Operating Model" link on the right.

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