IU Unveils Economic Development Network
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana University has launched the Innovate Indiana Network to better align statewide university resources with economic development projects. The network includes representatives from 16 IU schools, offices and centers. November 1, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A new network of Indiana University resources has been established to support the Innovate Indiana initiative and broaden its profile, visibility and reach statewide.
The Innovate Indiana Network will enhance connectivity and extend the initiative across functional areas of expertise throughout seven IU campuses, each of which has an impact on economic development.
The network is composed of IU representatives from 16 schools, offices and centers across the state identified as having tangential economic development roles or influence associated with their unit’s core mission. The network will address key challenges and create a channel that enables applicable university resources to be connected and applied as specific economic development-related projects, issues and requests arise within communities around the state.
The network complements IU's existing Council for Regional Engagement and Economic Development, known as CREED. Because 80 percent of all Hoosiers reside within an hour's drive of an IU campus offering 4-year degree programs, each campus plays an integral role in contributing to the economic vitality of the regional community in which it's located. To more effectively interconnect its campuses on regional economic development issues, IU established CREED in 2010 to create a statewide network and forum of IU resources and expertise composed of representatives appointed by each campus chancellor or provost.
To officially launch the Innovate Indiana Network, as well as foster collaboration between network and CREED representatives, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann spoke at the kick-off luncheon. Ellspermann emphasized the need for all of Indiana’s 92 counties to develop an infrastructure conducive to economic development, both in terms of framework and connectivity.
“Our appreciation goes out to all the members of our new Innovate Indiana Network and to Lt. Gov. Ellspermann for her time, commitment and focus on entrepreneurship and economic development in the state of Indiana,” said Bill Stephan, IU’s vice president for engagement.
“By joining with us in providing a bridge to the vast resources of Indiana University, our campus communities will now have further ability to leverage IU expertise in economic development initiatives.”
Ellspermann, an entrepreneur with a focus on technology commercialization and a doctorate in industrial engineering from the University of Louisville, oversees six state agencies: the Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, State Department of Agriculture, Office of Energy Development, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and Office of Tourism.
Created by President Michael A. McRobbie early in his tenure, the Innovate Indiana initiative is the university’s collective effort to channel its vast intellectual and creative resources through strategic partnerships and collaborations that strengthen the state’s economy and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. The initiative plays a key role in:
-Investing in and coordinating IU’s statewide economic development efforts.
-Transforming the innovations of IU faculty into new products, services and treatments.
-Connecting IU to the business community in Indiana, the nation and the world.
Source: Indiana University