The Energy Management and Innovation Center (EMIC) offers a variety of initiatives designed to reach out to business leaders and policy makers who are interested in more effectively managing energy resources, successfully commercializing innovative technologies, and shaping future energy policy. EMIC also draws on expertise from across the University of Texas to offer a multidisciplinary approach to educate future business and policy leaders, creating a new generation of problem solvers.
Current Initiatives
Conferences and Panel Discussions:
EMIC conferences and panel discussions bring together industry leaders, researchers and policy makers to discuss energy issues that influence executive decisions, national policies and public debate. EMIC members help determine conference topics and participate in panel discussions.
Energy Curriculum:
The Energy Management and Innovation Center is establishing a core of energy-specific business curriculum in accounting, finance, marketing, financial and commodity risk management, and economics and geopolitical risk. The core curriculum is complemented by electives in energy technology and policy and the environment. The EMIC also supports international student energy treks.
Energy Management Briefs:
To further knowledge sharing between our members and the McCombs faculty, the Center publishes periodic Energy Management Briefs, which provide analysis and insight about energy industry topics. Additionally, Executive Director Sheridan Titman illuminates pertinent energy topics on Energy Insights, an online discussion forum. The purpose is to share insights on specific energy issues, introduce fellow researchers to energy management topics, and influence academic curriculum.
Energy Workshops:
Industry partners and professors collaborate to offer Energy 101 workshops, practicums, executive education courses, internships, and guest lectures. These expose students to the complex realities facing the energy industry and afford members opportunities to shape the learning environment.
The University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll provides an objective, authoritative look at consumer attitudes and perspectives on key energy issues. It is designed to help inform national discussion, business planning and policy development. Conducted biannually, the online poll rates leadership on energy issues; measures consumers’ energy priorities; and tracks knowledge, influences and specific energy consumption behaviors. The design reflects a collaborative effort by academics and polling experts, non-governmental organizations, large energy users and energy producers.
Empirical Research:
The EMIC encourages and supports objective empirical research in the broad areas of technology commercialization, risk assessment, innovation and energy management. The Center is currently affiliated with approximately 20 faculty researchers engaged in or planning research on energy issues such as risk analysis, consumer behavior and regulation, with planned expansion into other diverse areas. Our goal is to triple the output of energy-related research published in major academic journals.
Online Energy Expert Panel
EMIC has gathered diverse, experienced perspectives for our online energy expert panel, which we periodically poll. Representing a broad range of industries and backgrounds, all with an energy bent, the online panelists share their thoughts on current topics of interest.
Future Initiatives
Interdisciplinary Training:
EMIC is in the process of developing joint degrees and certificate programs with other colleges.
Energy Fellows:
To recruit more top students interested in careers in the energy industry, EMIC will develop an elite Energy Fellows program, awarding incoming MBA students scholarships and the opportunity for industry mentorship.
Executives in Residence:
EMIC will appoint Executives in Residence, seasoned professionals from the energy industry, to serve as student and faculty mentors.