Economic Development Council

Overview

The USCA Innovation and Economic and Workforce Development Council serves as an advisory body, helping the university align its research, innovation, and strategic initiatives with broader economic and regional development goals. The council strengthens collaboration between the university, industry, and government to drive innovation and regional prosperity.

Purpose

• Foster innovation ecosystems:
  Connect the university with local industries, entrepreneurs, Department of Energy, Department of War, and government partners to promote innovation, commercialization, and institutional growth.
• Drive regional economic growth:
  Support strategies that translate academic strengths and university initiatives into measurable regional economic impact.
• Advise on policy and strategy:
  Provide guidance to university leadership on enhancing connectivity, innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development.

Responsibilities

• Strategic guidance:
  Shape the university’s innovation strategy, research priorities, and partnership development.
• Economic development Initiatives:
  Support programs that attract investment, create startups, and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.
• Industry collaboration:
  Build partnerships with businesses to expand internships, applied research, and technology commercialization opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship support:
  Oversee or advise on incubators, accelerators, and venture creation programs.
• Policy and advocacy:
  Advise on state or regional innovation policy and advocate for university-led economic and workforce initiatives.

Prospective Initiatives

• Launch technology parks or innovation districts
• Expand workforce development programs
• Strengthen public–private research collaborations
• Support student entrepreneurship and startup ventures
• Facilitate alignment and synergy among the Cyber Integration Center, Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, and USCA missions and activities