Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 8th International Materials Handling Research Colloquium at the Technical University of Graz in Austria.

This remarkable event is supported and conducted by our own materials handling industry associations: Material Handling Industry of America, the Material Handling Institute, and the College-Industry Council on Materials Handling Education. Gracious sponsorship was provided by a few of the Austrian materials handling suppliers: Knapp Logistik Automation, SSI Schaefer Peem, Salomon Automation and TGW.

I have been to previous offerings and am always impressed at how smart, creative, and sometimes funny these university professors are. They share the results of their research in poster sessions where the exchange and challenging of ideas is so frantic and noisy that it is hard to concentrate.

The international dimension of the colloquium provides an interesting perspective on the differences in approach from those in other parts of the world.

In general, the Europeans are focused on designing faster materials handling automation with increased functionality. The Americans are busy tweaking and optimizing the use of that equipment and the distances traveled in handling operations. The combination of these two can create a powerful force in overall materials handling effectiveness.

As exciting as this all is, I'm afraid that everyone will go back home and get quickly absorbed in their academic routine. Only a little of the hype will remain to influence the next research project. This is where we need your help.

Money and time are the drivers of the research efforts. In Europe, much of the money comes from industry. In America, most of it comes from the government.

What can we do to get more support from industry and more value from the government spending? I think that it will take a lot of your, and my, time and vision.

For research to be useful, it must be driven by real opportunity for financial, environmental, safety and social benefits. We need to think big.

For example, Don Taylor, a professor at the University of Louisville, explored a distribution location strategy that could shave several billion dollars from our national transportation spending. That's also a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption and traffic congestion.

How can you help to build on this and other ideas? Offer opportunities for student projects in your plant or warehouse. Volunteer to speak to students about challenges and opportunities in your industry. Encourage and support research funding from your trade and professional societies. Say "yes" when somebody asks for a little bit of your time.

I know that there are many of you out there who are already making substantial contributions in supporting and encouraging valuable research. Congratulations, and thank you! Please take some time to tell others how important and rewarding it is so that the efforts of our best and brightest are put to use for greater overall benefit.

Creative and energetic minds are terrible things to waste.