AN ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR OREGON

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

Our mission is to grow and focus a shared-user, statewide network of university expertise, laboratories, and equipment in the following two strategic areas:

• Sustainable Built Environment Products and Services
• Renewable Energy Generation

Powered by university research, industry collaboration, and commercialization, Oregon BEST ensures Oregon is a global leader in the green economy. More than 180 Oregon BEST Member Faculty at four universities offer a network of research expertise and lab facilities that help Oregon companies and students succeed. Our charter is to make Oregon businesses globally competitive by transforming and commercializing university research into new companies, services, products, and jobs that fuel Oregon’s economy.

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

An economic development catalyst, Oregon BEST connects the state’s business community with its shared network of university researchers and laboratories to grow Oregon’s economic sectors of renewable energy and the sustainable built environment. This collaborative blend of research and industry adds value and enhances competitiveness for existing Oregon businesses, increases state revenues, grows and improves university research, and helps Oregon recruit new green companies.

By creating a shared-user, statewide R&D network for renewable energy and green building, people all across Oregon benefit — 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.