AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATALYST, Oregon BEST connects Oregon businesses with a university-based network of shared-user lab facilities and expertise to commercialize and transform sustainable built environment and renewable energy research into on-the-ground products, services, and jobs that power Oregon's green economy.

AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENGINE FOR OREGON'S GREEN ECONOMY

An independent, nonprofit organization established by the Oregon Legislature, Oregon BEST (Oregon Built Environment & Sustainable Technologies Center) builds on Oregon’s reputation as a national innovator in sustainability, natural resources, the sustainable built environment, and clean energy.

Our charter is to help Oregon businesses compete globally by transforming and commercializing university research into new technologies, services, products, and companies — all of which translate into new jobs for Oregon’s green economy. 

Oregon BEST focuses on the following two strategic areas:

• Sustainable Built Environment Products and Services
• Renewable Energy Generation

Oregon BEST ensures Oregon is a global leader in the green economy. More than 190 Oregon BEST Member Faculty at four universities offer a shared-user network of research expertise and lab tools that help Oregon companies, universities, and students succeed

Click on the cover below to download our overview brochure, Oregon BEST: Transforming Research Discoveries into Clean-Tech Jobs and Economic Prosperity.

BLENDING UNIVERSITY RESEARCH & BUSINESS:
A POWERFUL CATALYST FOR OREGON’S GREEN ECONOMY

Connecting Oregon industry to universitiy research teams adds value and enhances competitiveness for existing Oregon firms, boosts state revenues, grows and improves university research, and helps Oregon recruit new clean-tech companies.

The Oregon BEST shared-user network benefits people all across Oregon  — from architects and construction firms engaged in the sustainable built environment, to farmers and forest products companies producing biomass for clean fuels and bioproducts, to large and small companies generating solar, wind, geothermal, and wave energy.

Oregon BEST helps attract research dollars to Oregon universities from federal agencies, foundations, and private companies by strategically investing in key research projects and facilities that can attract additional research revenue and create economic impact.

HISTORY & FOUNDING UNIVERSITIES

Oregon BEST was established as an independent, nonprofit organization in 2007 as part of the Oregon Innovation Council’s legislative recommendations. Initial funding came from the Oregon Legislature, with additional support from the Oregon University System and the Meyer Memorial Trust. Oregon BEST is funded in part with Oregon State Lottery Funds administered by the Oregon Business Development Department. Our partner universities include the Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon.