New Study Documents Growing Role for Higher Education in Driving Economic Development Efforts in the States

A recently released study by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, commissioned by SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher, finds multiple roles for universities in regional and local economic development:

The Institute’s research found that the importance of innovation in the economy is giving rise to a new model for state economic development programs — one in which the development and distribution of knowledge is at least as important as more traditional incentive programs. The report acknowledges the long record of SUNY campuses in economic development, so it focused on finding additional lessons from other states.

Higher education institutions and systems that are successful in this arena, the report said, appear to rely on a combination of four key factors:

• Innovation — that is, using their research power to create knowledge that can have economic impact, and then actively working to help move new ideas into the marketplace.
• Knowledge transfer that helps businesses grow and prosper, through programs such as job training, technical and other consulting assistance, and assistance to startups.
• An activist role in revitalizing the communities in which they are located, such as efforts to help local elementary and secondary schools.
• And their core mission of producing the educated populace that’s needed to build, run and work in the innovation economy.

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Regional SCUP Events! Enjoy the F2F company of your colleagues and peers at one of three SCUP regional conferences this spring:

• March 24–26: Cambridge, MA - "Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats"
• April 5–7, San Diego, CA - "Smart Planning in an Era of Uncertainty"
• April 7, Houston, TX - "Sustaining Higher Education in an Age of Challenge"