Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
APLU’s Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness and Economic Prosperity (CICEP) established the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities Program to recognize institutions who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to economic and community development. The IEP Universities program helps institutions to codify, elevate and advance their economic engagement enterprise which encompasses the many and varied ways universities work with their public-private partners to carry out:
- Talent and workforce development
- Innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-based economic development
- Place development through public and community engagement
More than 60 institutions have earned this distinguished international recognition. IEP Universities complete a rigorous self-study of their economic engagement enterprise that allows them to inventory their true societal and economic impact while identifying strengths and areas of improvement in economic engagement. They exchange ideas and best practices with peers around North America, and strengthen their overall ecosystem supporting economic prosperity.
Once designation, the institution enters a vibrant national community of practice. Designated institutions are often times called upon to participate in special opportunities and events including national and international speaking engagements, tours of federal agencies/national organizations and other initiatives undertaken by APLU and partner organizations to advance and elevate the profile university economic engagement across North America and around the world.
Institutions pursuing the designation as well as designated institutions are highly encouraged to attend the annual IEP Universities workshop which takes place at each CICEP Summer Meeting. Engagement opportunities are also planned during each APLU Annual Meeting.
Read the IEP Universities Program flier for more information. Questions regarding the IEP universities program should be addressed to the IEP Universities Program Manager Shalin Jyotishi at sjyotishi@aplu.org.