Overview
Benefits | Membership Fee | FAQs | Business Network Fellowship | SFI Contacts
The Business Network provides opportunities for companies and organizations to engage in collaborative discussion with fellow members and SFI affiliated scientists regarding topics of mutual interest, stay abreast of research activities at the Santa Fe Institute, and initiate and participate in SFI's conferences and workshops.
Benefits
Participate in our:
Annual Business Network Meeting and Fall Trustees' Symposium
Business Network Topical Meetings on subjects of interest suggested by members
Workshops, colloquia, conferences, and symposia
Complex Systems Summer Schools
Business Network Fellowship Program
Research activities by visiting the Institute and meeting with scientists on topics of mutual interest
Projects and on-line discussion groups with researchers and other Business Network members in a non-competitive environment
Receive from us:
Site visits with SFI scholars
One copy of each new book in the SFI Series on the Sciences of Complexity
One hard copy of each SFI research working paper immediately upon publication (approximately 100 per year). (Electronic versions available as well.)
Subscription to the journal Complexity
Monthly Research Update
Membership Fee
The annual fee for membership in the SFI Business Network is $35,000. Some companies give additional support for specific research themes, researchers, and equipment. In addition, there are recruitment opportunities via the Santa Fe Institute at-large research network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many members does the Business Network have?
A: Over fifty organizations are members of the Network.
Q: What is "complex systems research"?
A: The study of nonlinear, interactive systems from which interesting and unpredictable behavior emerges is the hallmark of the research that is pursued at SFI. This includes examining the dynamics of these 'complex systems' and how the systems evolve. The work is basic, theoretical science. Organizations that join the Business Network are often involved in an applied research area that has its roots in, or can be informed by, the work being performed at SFI. The Business Network provides a bridge between SFI's basic research and the applied work in which our members are engaged.
Q: What is the profile of a typical member?
A: Business Network members include companies and organizations from diverse industries and government agencies around the world. Industrial research laboratories, manufacturing companies, financial institutions, and several sectors of high tech have been drawn to SFI. What unites all members is a desire to learn about the catalytic research that occurs here, and to discuss, in cross-industry groups, how results may be applied in their areas of interest.
Q: How do most members maximize their investment in SFI and the Business Network?
A: An important criterion for successful membership is interest on the part of the participating member organization. At least one individual in each member company is designated as the 'contact' person. That can be anyone from the CEO on down. The contact person receives all mailings, subscriptions, and announcements. In addition, we supply members with a Monthly Update that can be distributed throughout the organization. But to be beneficial, the interaction needs to be two-way. The contact person, along with other interested individuals from the company, regularly attend SFI sponsored Business Network meetings. Member companies are also allotted one tuition-free slot to attend the Santa Fe Institute's Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS). Occasionally, a researcher from one of our member organizations will come to the Institute and spend a day here, meeting with SFI researchers to discuss topics of mutual interest. Many members maintain contact with each other through e-mail and phone conversations, and in some instances, meetings among member companies emerge.
Q: How does SFI deal with intellectual property?
A:If an organization wishes to work with an SFI researcher on a specific project of interest to both parties, that relationship is brokered by the researcher and the organization on terms decided by the two parties (e.g., independent contractor, consultant, non-disclosure, etc.).
Q: Can members send a researcher to SFI?
A: Yes, in fact members are encouraged to submit an application for the SFI sponsored Business Network Fellowship (see Fellowship section). In addition, visits to the Institute by Business Network members can be arranged.
Q: Can members hold meetings at SFI?
A: Depending on the size of the group and the date, some requests from member companies to hold a meeting at our site in Santa Fe can be accommodated. The Housing and Events Manager determines the availability of space and the logistics for such a meeting. A nominal fee of $1,000 is charged, plus all costs related to coffee breaks, lunches and/or dinners.
Q: How can I learn more about SFI?
Business Network Fellowship
The Business Network Fellowship is open to individuals from member companies of the Santa Fe Institute Business Network. The position allows an individual up to four weeks over a two-year period to pursue research congruent to the research of the Santa Fe Institute. One Fellowship per year will be awarded. more...
Contacts
Susan Ballati, Director of Marketing
Santa Fe Institute
1399 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
USA
Telephone: (505) 946-2726
Fax: (505) 982-0565
Email: susanb@santafe.edu
Ann Stagg, Manager, Business Network
Santa Fe Institute
1399 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
USA
Telephone: (505) 946-2724
Fax: (505) 982-0565
Email: annstagg@santafe.edu