New MSU partnership aims to connect researchers with business sector, train next generation of leaders
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EmailRecently hired Ian Olson, a supply chain resilience expert, will lead efforts.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Leaders of Michigan State University AgBioResearch and three MSU colleges have announced a new partnership with the goal of better equipping scientists with the tools to translate research results into solutions for business, government and other stakeholders.
The collaboration is among AgBioResearch, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Natural Science and the Broad College of Business.
“This is a significant step forward in MSU’s mission to encourage scientists to transform their research into businesses and actionable solutions,” said Eric Hegg, dean of the College of Natural Science. “Our faculty are engaging in groundbreaking research that could truly change the world, but many don’t have the experience needed to take the leap into the business world. This partnership will help them translate scientific discoveries into real-world action.”
Objectives include working closely with scientists, leveraging research results into actionable strategies for a diverse group of stakeholders, including corporate partners, federal and state agencies, and agricultural commodity organizations.
One of the primary tasks is to cultivate and train the next generation of business leaders in the agriculture and natural resources sectors. This will include curriculum development on supply chain resiliency across the university for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, external input will be sought to enhance curriculum to ensure graduates are well-prepared for a variety of jobs that meet industry needs.
As a result of the new endeavor, Ian Olson has been hired as executive in residence, supply chain resiliency, a new position focused on developing innovative research funding opportunities and partnerships. Olson will lead efforts to bridge the gap between research results and business strategies, as well as the supply chain resilience curriculum development.
Olson reports to George Smith, AgBioResearch director.
“Ian’s extensive experience in the corporate sector and utilizing his vast network will help to set future research direction and generate new collaborations, partnerships and opportunities for MSU,” Smith said. “This is a unique position that prioritizes innovative ways of thinking about the future of research and how our colleges partner to differentiate MSU. Fortifying existing relationships and building new partnerships through Ian’s business-based perspective will be critical to our future organizational strategies.”
Over his more-than-two-decade career, Olson has led supply chain resiliency teams at three Fortune 200 companies: McDonald’s Corporation, Darden Restaurants and Ford Motor Company.
“It’s an honor to be joining a great team at MSU, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of exploring new opportunities to demonstrate how MSU can be a source of actionable innovation and intelligence, while developing the next generation of practitioners and problem solvers,” Olson said. “Building on the incredible research to date, I believe MSU can be the global benchmark of developing inclusive and integrated approaches that support a thriving agricultural and natural resources system. These robust systems will also be part of the solution to the world’s most pressing environmental and community issues. Working together, we should accomplish this by driving impact locally, influencing nationally and being recognized globally.”
Alongside Jason Rowntree, C.S. Mott Professor of Sustainable Agriculture in the Department of Animal Science, and Bruno Basso, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in the departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Olson will also serve as co-director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
The center seeks to develop and implement regenerative agriculture practice that enhance soil health and fertility, improve water management and increase biodiversity. One of the center’s focus areas is to add value to the agriculture supply chain through partnerships with farmers, ranchers, animal agriculture industries and corporations, making it a natural fit for Olson.
“I truly appreciate the support from AgBioResearch, the three colleges and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, which makes this a unique and exciting position at MSU,” Olson said. “While I’ve worked on the business side for many years, I’ve been involved in agriculture, food service, technology and other relevant areas. I look forward to listening and learning as much as I can in the coming months.”
Olson comes to MSU from the McDonald’s Corporation, where he most recently served as senior director of global supply chain sustainability. He was responsible for leading the development, advancement and implementation of sustainability strategies for McDonald’s global supply chain, which reaches more than 69 million customers daily in 120 countries.
For his business and sustainability leadership, Olson has received several honors and awards, such as being named an Innovative Business Leader by Fast Company, a Mover and Shaker by GreenBiz, and a two-time winner of McDonald’s Circle of Excellence Award.
Olson has earned two degrees from MSU, a bachelor’s in political economy from James Madison College and a master’s in supply chain management and marketing from the Broad College of Business.
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.
