Administration

Student entrepreneurship at core of newly released policy blueprint

Penn State President Eric J. Barron shares opportunities for collaboration between public universities, federal government to enhance economic development

Penn State President Eric J. Barron. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As chair of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness and Economic Prosperity (CICEP), Penn State President Eric J. Barron on Sept. 5 presented a new policy blueprint for how public universities and the federal government can strengthen their partnership to build a modern workforce that meets the evolving needs of employers and collaborate on innovation, while also becoming more effective partners with their communities to address local problems, and foster opportunity and economic mobility.

“Research and education have always opened doors that benefit the nation we serve, and today, we are energized to join millennial undergraduates in fueling the next wave of innovation,” Barron said. “Through talent and workforce development, technology-based activities, and placemaking through social, cultural and community engagement, public universities and land-grant institutions are well-positioned to transform our economy.”

Catherine Howard, Virginia Commonwealth University vice-provost and 2018 chair of the APLU Council on Engagement and Outreach, joined Barron to present “Advancing University-Engaged Economic and Societal Prosperity” during a media round table in addition to a briefing with a mix of professionals from across the higher education policy community.

APLU calls on public universities and the federal government to take specific actions in:

  • Building a thriving rural America;
  • Meeting the demand for 21st century talent and skills;
  • Securing American leadership in advanced manufacturing;
  • Stimulating and accelerating university-based innovation and entrepreneurship; and
  • Fostering equitable, inclusive economic opportunity and mobility
Last Updated September 5, 2018