Illinois Receives 5-Year Extension of Innovation & Economic Prosperity Designation
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a five-year extension of its Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designation by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. This achievement is a testament to Illinois’ ongoing commitment to fostering economic development and community engagement.
The IEP designation recognizes institutions with a strong, ongoing, and campus-wide commitment to regional economic development. Universities undergo a rigorous process every five years involving the development of a comprehensive Growth and Improvement Plan. This process ensures economic engagement strategies align with current conditions and goals.
Illinois’ continuous designation reflects a proactive approach to economic development, utilizing the resources and expertise to drive innovation and support local communities. The initiatives at Illinois encompass talent and workforce development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and public service and outreach.
As a designated IEP university, Illinois is invited to participate in the community of practice through setting strategic goals for the upcoming year, presenting at the IEP annual summit, and writing an annual reflection memo summarizing the university’s accomplishments. The overarching goal of the IEP designee community is to increase value of the IEP designation by:
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Advancing the understanding and practice of effective economic and community engagement
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Providing peer support to the IEP community
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Ensuring that the IEP Designation maintains its value as a mark of excellence
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Communicating the value of university economic engagement
For more information on the IEP five-year extension program click here.