Sunday, February 05, 2006
The role of universities in economic development is evolving in new ways.
For research universities, technology transfer has always been a place to start. Improving and aligning faculty incentives within the university is a first and difficult step.
But efforts cannot stop there.
Teaching the public about the evolving role of the university in economic development represents one of the more difficult, but important challenges. Here are two examples of universities that are reframing their roles.
President Lee Todd of the University of Kentucky is a person to watch. He is reshaping the role of his university in the state. It is no easy job. Read more.
The University of Maryland's BioPark is one of the focal points of a new program called, "Strategies for Success: Building Communities through Economic Development". Read more here. You can view the 18 minute video.
At Purdue University's Calumet campus, the university is consolidating its science and economic development initiatives in a a new $24 million technology tower. Learn more.
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Reshaping perceptions of the university in economic development
