The Economic Development Administration University Center Grant Using Indiana’s University Center Program to Enhance Regional Competitiveness, Stimulate Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Impact Employment Opportunities

Program Focus

The University Center’s (UC) program work addresses the following three types of products and services to foster economic development during a three-year period:

1. Technical assistance (TA) requested by (a) private sector businesses and (b) external agencies and organizations to spur innovation, entrepreneurship, enhance productivity, increase private sector investment and create high-skilled employment opportunities.
2. Applied research (a) requested by external agencies and organizations and (b) applied research initiated by university faculty and staff to increase long-term regional competitiveness and economic diversification.
3. Dissemination of the applied research findings, promotion and marketing of the UC’s products and services, and distribution of periodic reports of the UC’s activities, impacts, and accomplishments.

The UC is focused specifically on areas of TA and applied research that are not readily accessible, filling a void within Indiana’s economic development efforts.  However, the UC is leveraged and complemented by other service providers.  Of particular importance, is the collaborative partnership with the Indiana Association of Regional Councils (IARC).  Other partners that will help with the leveraging of resources include: the Purdue Extension Service, the Small Business Development Center, and many others.

The approximate distribution by source of funds follows:

• Technical Assistance: 60%
• Applied Research: 30%
• Dissemination: 10%