APLU Names UW an ‘Innovation and Economic Prosperity’ University

In recognition of the University of Wyoming's strong commitment to economic engagement, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has designated UW as an "Innovation and Economic Prosperity" (IEP) university.

The national designation acknowledges public research universities working with public- and private-sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development through a variety of activities, including innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.

"We're delighted to receive this designation," says UW President Ed Seidel. "The university takes seriously its role as an innovation and economic engine for Wyoming. Becoming an IEP university illustrates both success in our existing programs and a commitment to lift our performance even higher."

"Economic development is a major pillar of universities' work," says APLU President Mark Becker. "From talent development to pathbreaking research to entrepreneurship and beyond, institutions have a central role to play in economic development. We're pleased to recognize the University of Wyoming for its commitment to engaging its community around these issues to advance regional economic development."

UW received the designation after an independent panel reviewed the institution's application, including an internal review and analysis of its economic engagement activities conducted with outside stakeholder input. APLU's Commission on Economic and Community Engagement, which manages the designation process, is a national leader in efforts to help public research universities plan, assess and communicate their work in regional, national and global economic development and community engagement. The commission's "Economic Engagement Framework" includes tools for university self-assessment, metrics determination and economic impact analysis.

"President Seidel's exciting vision for UW's role in catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship at UW and across the state has invigorated UW's commitment to support economic prosperity through place-based innovation and increased research enterprise," says Parag Chitnis, vice president for research and economic development. "The IEP designation application involved hard work by a broad UW team that collected internal and external feedback to identify our innovation successes and to prepare thoughtful plans for future improvements."

As part of the self-study conducted with external stakeholders that was central to the designation application process, UW identified areas of institutional strength in economic engagement and described programs in these areas. Officials also identified areas for growth and improvement for the university's economic engagement enterprise and developed an improvement plan. This work demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in this kind of engagement vital to universities and their regional partners.

UW's application to APLU noted collaborations with public and private partners, including community colleges, the Wyoming Business Council, the Wyoming Economic Development Association, the Wyoming Innovation Partnership and state legislators. Activities of units of UW's Research and Economic Development Division, as well as other parts of the university, have included:

-- Startup challenges by IMPACT 307, UW's business incubator program that provides resources and support for entrepreneurs to thrive.

-- Regular trainings conducted by the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network, which offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow or reinvent their businesses.

-- The UW College of Business' annual John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition, in which students formulate original business ventures and work with a network of organizations, entrepreneurs and community investors.

-- The College of Business' Bachelor of Science in entrepreneurship and Venture Master of Business Administration degree programs, which encourage students to work with local startups and businesses on business and capital plans.

-- UW's College of Law practicum, which pairs students with local companies to address simple legal needs.

-- The Wyoming Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Initiative, which works to connect small businesses and innovators with innovative technologies to federal government research and development funds through workshops, webinars and mentoring.

-- The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative, which supports Wyoming's second-largest economic sector by developing partnerships with industry and community leaders to provide experiential learning for students, professional development for the workforce and outreach services to Wyoming's tourism industry.

-- UW's Center of Innovation for Flow through Porous Media, which has begun a public-private partnership for research aimed at revitalizing legacy oil fields in Campbell, Converse and Johnson counties under the Wyoming Gas Injection Initiative.

-- The School of Energy Resources, which directs and integrates innovative energy research and academic programs at UW and bridges academics and industry through outreach programs.

-- UW's Manufacturing Works, which provides technical assistance programs and guidance to manufacturing businesses across the state.

Illustrating UW's commitment to lifting its performance, the university recently created its Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships, a collaborative venture between UW's Research and Economic Development Division and the UW Foundation to establish partnerships between the university, industry and nonindustry partners to foster innovation and economic impact.

UW is now one of over 80 higher education institutions designated as IEP universities. Applications for the designation are evaluated by a panel of reviewers representing other universities and regional and national partners. Scoring was based on a range of criteria emphasizing universities' development of their economic engagement enterprise; their planning efforts for economic engagement; strategic communications about these efforts; and participation in encouraging economic engagement among peer institutions.

About the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. With membership of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research and expanding engagement.