One of the key products of SCOP is a Community Lab. The idea for the lab’s formation began when members of AZ Optics Valley found that their home institutions had unused, intermittently available, or scrap optical test equipment. Much of this equipment is expensive and long-lead to procure such that many small companies would not have access to it. This lack of infrastructure is a key barrier to small companies creating products in these fields.
Additionally, many companies have equipment which is not often utilized or may have been purchased for a previous use, and this valuable equipment sits unused. Other companies may have need of the equipment - as well as the expertise in using it - and could make use of it rather than procuring the equipment for themselves. This sharing of equipment has the potential to benefit both companies financially as well as fostering communication, trust, and collaboration. By strengthening both lender and lendee the entire optics ecosystem is enhanced and more projects, jobs, and regional success will be achieved.
OUR THREE-PHASE APPROACH
Phase One: Cup of Sugar
In the first phase of the program, the community lab will focus on collaboration and allowing participating companies to trade or contract services within the capabilities of other companies. As an example case, Company A has a highly accurate test set-up that is not used very often. Company B needs an independent check of the performance of a system in development. Company B can search the community lab website to see who is offering that capability. Company B uses the website to find organizations capable of fulfilling that need and is matched with them. The community lab enables the two companies to connect and create a small contract or trade to provide a service. Company B gets the answers they need. Company A has an open dialog with Company B on their skills and capabilities that could help foster collaboration as well as serve as a matchmaker for partnerships in the future. Exactly as good neighbors will share a bit of their skills and possessions, we are fostering sharing and collaboration between local companies.
Phase Two: Lending Library
In the second phase of the program, a physical library of items is created with expensive tools or capital equipment so that companies can borrow hardware from SCOP. This is similar to phase 1, except SCOP and the community lab act as a “company” which controls the loanable equipment.
This library will contain donated hardware and hardware procured by SCOP via library equipment funding. Additionally, we will seek to maintain the equipment, train local companies on the use of the hardware, and maintain historical references for companies to have confidence in the findings with the equipment. This requires funding and personnel for space to manage and maintain the website, hardware, calibrations, and other maintenance functions.
Phase Three: Turn Key Community Lab
Phase Three represents the initial goal that inspired the birth of SCOP. In this phase, there are one or more laboratory spaces that have capabilities that are staffed and maintained by SCOP. Driven by an early survey of companies and their needs, specific labs may include: Environmental test facilities, Thermal and dynamic test facilities, General metrology, Spectral / radiometric testing, Geometric testing, and Testing that can be transferred to international standards.
In all, Phase 3 is a significant step in both required funding, personnel, and complexity, and is a major long-term aspiration of the SCOP organization. Building networks and awareness within the business community will be key in order to reach this phase.